How do I reach and maintain a personal sense of balance?
The scales of justice symbolize a balance between the two sides to each case and that each side needs to be heard. The evidence of each side needs to be evaluated fairly and a decision is then given.
In our lives we may seek balance not so much by changing our behaviors but rather by reflecting on our thinking and, if need be, changing it. Different than the scales of justice, our lives have multiple sides that compete; friends, careers, faith, community, along with mental and physical health needs which can cause internal strife and imbalance.
With all these competing forces it is not surprising that we may find ourselves pulled in multiple directions by the admirable choices we make. The problem is that other important areas of our lives may suffer as a result. When we find ourselves in these situations, we may also find that our lives are very chaotic. While chaos can certainly keep us off balance, chaos can also offer us refuge from other important areas of our lives where we may be struggling both knowingly or unknowingly.
When we find ourselves in these uncomfortable places, it may be a signal for us to step back, take time for reflection and put ourselves back in balance. Much like the calm before the storm, we can use these moments to shore up our lives because we know that they will become chaotic again.
During these moments of reflection, we may want to ask ourselves these types of questions:
When was the last time I had a real belly-laugh?
How am I staying true to my values?
What are my expectations of my varied relationships?
Do I feel rested after a night’s sleep?
When was the last time you enjoyed a good book, or a movie or a date-night?
How is your physical, spiritual, and mental health?
Get the idea? Develop your own reflection questions.
Key Takeaways
Life can be like a teeter totter, if not kept in balance, we can get hurt.
Reaching balance is not about changing behaviors but rather our thinking.
Discomfort can be our teacher.
Best Practices
Schedule your priorities.
Remember to listen to your body, mind and spirit.
Be present oriented.
Things to Limit
Chaos.
Over-extending yourself.
Abandoning parts of your life.
Quote of the Week
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you created”
~Jana Kingsford
An important part of living an authentic life is remembering to monitor your life’s balance.
Be well,
The paraDocs
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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