Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life balance, being balanced in body, mind and soul, eating a balanced meal, balancing work, play and learning. But what does it really mean? When I ask my clients what balance means to them, most have no idea initially, and find it a good exercise to reflect on. For some it means spending more time with family and/or fun and less time on work, for others it means starting a physical activity. For some it means doing some emotional healing, for others starting a spiritual path. The truth is, we are all individuals, and we each have our unique definition of what balance is. If we take the time to ask ourselves what a balanced life looks like, we'll find the answer. Or we'll at least be shown what is not in balance so we can start there!

I lived a large part of my life out of balance. As a mother, daughter, wife, many times I let my needs go to take care of others. Later when the boys left home I let my job consume my life, letting go of the things I knew were good for me because I was 'too tired'. First went the exercise, then my eating got off track, I stopped meditating, stopped socializing and having fun and isolated myself. It was a cycle of overwhelm, then frustration, then isolation, leading to depression. Now that's a life really out of balance, I wasn't taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually! It was a huge wake-up call to me that I needed to make some major lifestyle changes if I wanted a fulfilling life, and for that I am truly grateful.

As I was recovering from my depression, I started taking care of my body, mind and spirit. As I started leading a more balanced life, I was amazed at the overlap- how when I do something for my physical self for instance, it benefits me in the other areas. Running for example is an exercise for my physical body that has ripple effects mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. Running down a trail and seeing a deer or the sunset is spiritual, filling my heart with gratitude, emotionally I sometimes start out feeling upset about something, then find my mind clears as I run through the situation and come to understanding, mentally I often work out my agenda for the week, or what my newsletter article will be on or other business items. What I eat affects me physically, mentally and emotionally, which in turn affects me spiritually. What I think creates my emotions which in turn create my actions and results. A good reminder if I am to be healthy in all ways, I need to take care of all parts of me.

Are you paying attention to all parts of your life? Is there an area that needs improvement- career, finances, recreation/fun, family, relationships, personal/spiritual development, environment, physical health or? If not, congratulations! If so, take a look at where you're at, what you could do to improve your situation and go for it! Change doesn't have to be big. Do one thing to improve one area of your life and you create more balance? Enjoy the life we are meant to live, a life of prosperity and abundance in all areas! Cheers to you!

About The Author

Norma Reid, CEC, is the owner of From Dreams to Reality Success Coaching. She is passionate about helping others realize their potential, turning their professional and personal dreams into reality. For more info: http://www.fromdreamstoreality.ca or mailto: norma@fromdreamstoreality.ca.

---

Five Simple Tips to Get Organized Today!

Take time to declutter this summer...Writing can certainly consume the... Read More

Technology...The Culprit and the Tool

Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More

5 Easy Tips on Light that You Can Use to Improve Your Day

Light, Work, and YouWinter is here-and with it, short days,... Read More

Managing Mealtime Madness

It is 5:00 pm and Cindy has no idea what... Read More

Oh No, Not Another Interuption, How To Deal With Everyday Distractions

Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More

Organization Tips - How to Set Up Your Database

What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More

Organize (and Decorate) Your Home on a Budget with Baskets

What's an item that can help you organize every room... Read More

Home Organizing Tips & Gizmos

Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More

Creative Storage Solutions

When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More

Declutter Your Home in 11 Easy Steps

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More

Organizing for Today, Tomorrow and the Next Day

Getting organized is hard. If it weren't, we wouldn't put... Read More

Making Space - Letting Go of Clutter

To make room for new things to come into you... Read More

Saving Memories Without Losing Your Mind

The summer is flying by for Cindy and her family.... Read More

Choose Spice Racks That Help You Organize Your Home

Today you have almost as many choices of spice racks... Read More

What Clutter Clearing Can Do For You

You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits... Read More

Spruce Your Environment, Spruce Your Spirit

After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More

Quick Organizing Tips From Assistance For You

Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More

5 Easy Steps to Making Housework More Manageable

Sometimes the task of keeping a clean, tidy house just... Read More

10 Minute Tricks to Help You Get Organized

Whoever thought you'd be able to get organized in just... Read More

The Love It Or Lose It Principle: One Simple Key to Living Clutter-Free Forever

It wasn't long ago that you spent an entire weekend... Read More

Spring Cleaning: Mission Garage Organization

Spring is here and the garage door is open. This... Read More

Family Management Tip #2: Choosing the Right Organizer for Your Family

What method do you currently use to organize your family?... Read More

Overwhelmed? Try the Red Zone Tactic

Some people seem to be born organized. You probably remember... Read More

It?s Spring Cleaning Time? Let?s Make Room For Abundance!

I gathered some things you can do this spring while... Read More

Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More