Life Balance

Trying to find a good life balance when you add up all the things a person wants to accomplish in a day or a week, it's not an easy task! 

My work life consumes 10 hours a day, then there's walking the dog, finding time to do a few chores and squeeze in a little exercise as well, and before you know it, it's bedtime!  And there's paperwork that didn't completed, maybe a few bills needed to be paid, then add in the creative stuff that I enjoy doing. 

Where did I find all the time to do those things in the past ?????

And how will I create time for myself to do those things now ?

With everything that's been going on, sometimes just getting through the work day is the only struggle I can get through.  Other days, it goes a little better and I feel like I get a few things accomplished.  I am in awe over how much I can get done just on my phone, and yet, it still doesn't seem like it's enough some days. 

One day at a time

It helps to make a list

I like the feeling I get when I can actually check something OFF my list!

Which reminds me, I need to make a "Honey Do" list for my son in law when he's here next week.
(He doesn't know it yet, though. haha)

Because today was a better day than most,
here's a photo of the flowers I planted last week
using the new Canon camera and filter I shopped for today!

Balanced Out

How good is your balance?  I always thought I had pretty good stability .... turns out I don't!  Well, not according to my trainer's version.  That's the one thing we've been working on every session -- balance.  Turns out my balance is ok with two feet on the ground, with my left leg/side as the stronger side.  But on one foot? 

Here's my challenge to you.  Test your own balance:  For 60 seconds, stand on one foot, with your other knee bent , up at 90degrees, hands on hips.  Then do the other foot for 60 seconds.  You will definitely feel the burn! (Of course, my trainer gives me NO slack - these are done in a circuit ... prone iso-abs for 45 seconds, bridges, then balance.  Rest one minute.  Repeat three times.  yowza!) 

But along with having good physical balance, we all need to be balanced in other ways as well.  I read the following quote:  "You can't find your balance until you completely lose it." (Sarah Ban Breathnach)  We try to eat balanced meals; we try to balance our work and home lives; we want balance in our relationships.  It seems that we've become accustomed to doing so much that it now feels normal.  We all are pulled in many directions throughout our days.  But we need to have -- no, we need to make time for reflection, renewal and recreation.  All of those are needed for balance.  Realize that not everything needs to be done today.   Take some time today for yourself, curl up in a chair and read, or watch the sun set.  (That's what I did today!)

A living journey

"Just maybe it is not so much
the finding as it is the searching."

Is life about the end result? or the journey? Which way do you see it?

Learning to find the balance between the two can often be difficult for all of us. This is a topic that was touched on a few days ago, and has caused me to take a step back and think about it, ponder it. For me, its not about the end result. The pleasure is the quest itself. And lately, I'm on a journey of self, and its great! I'm learning things, finding new things, that bring me pleasure. There's a certain release in knowing that I can do it, all on my own. Yes, there are drawbacks to not having a mate, significant other, someone to hold me in the night. But the tradeoff ... I can come and go as I please. I don't answer to anyone how I spend my money, or my time. I can eat, sleep, shower, or do chores when the mood strikes me.

A friend from out of state was here, and we did a few touristy thing together. I hadn't really thought about how accustomed I have become to living life my own way. But it was pointed out that when it comes to my photograpy, I tend to stop here or there, stoop, stretch, reach, or just plain wander off in search of that perfect shot, never saying anything to the person I'm with, I just do what I feel I need to do. In my defense, I kind of get in a 'zone' when it comes to taking pix and finding that perfect shot. Another side note: I prefer to be the driver! (hehehehe.... )

The bottom line seems to be making sure that you live each day in a way that gives you pleasure while you do what needs to be done. And don't take anything, or anyone, for granted!

HUGS to everyone!!