In speaking with a dear friend the other day, I realized that she and I shared the same dilemma: that of regaining our balance. Every so often, life circumstances change in such a way that I find myself "off-kilter." The symptoms usually include bank statements that are ignored, haircuts that are overdue, dust bunnies (okay, full-grown rabbits) collecting in and around our bar stools, and the OMG moments when I realize I'm five minutes late to pick up The Offspring.
I tend to throw myself into every project that comes my way, and I am fastidious about keeping my commitments. Good traits, but daily responsibilities can often suffer as a result. Priorities tend to shift, and something always has to give in the end. That's one reason I haven't been blogging much.
However, blogging kept me thinking...kept me writing...and definitely made me more likely to use my camera. I miss it, and I miss you all - my blog buddies. My writing skills are important to me. I still cringe every time I see a misspelled word or a punctuation error (OCD, I know). So, I will recommit myself to this world that I had temporarily abandoned. For my sake as much as yours. Blogging is not and never has been a massive priority but something I have let slide to a point that I'm no long comfortable with.
To re-engage you, I ask: When have you found yourself to be out of balance in life? When have you had to rethink your priorities? And what did you do to resolve the problem?
16 comments:
My condition has really dictated that I slow down and do only what is really a priority. There are days when I'm off and running, other days when I am confined to home and bed seeking comfort and recharge.
I think the most important thing one can do to find balance in life is to stay organized and when there is conflict, always ask, "What is most important?" and "Will this affect time with my family?"
I'm a little off balance myself.
I find myself out of balance when I let things "overwhelm" me. I think I am just enough of a control freak that when life is coming at me too fast, I feel like I'm drowning and it's a feeling I don't like! I've had to rethink my priorities and recommit myself to my life, my current situation, and face the reality that my "profession" may not continue to afford me the opportunity to continue working from home...along with my relationship.
For my most recent birthday, I was given the book "The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie and I reach each day's passage and affirmation, if you will, and it's amazing how timely that day's reading actually can be. FOR EXAMPLE:
April 1 ~ "GOING EASY"
The affirmation read:
"Today, God, help me focus on a peaceful pace rather than a harried one. I will keep moving forward gently, not frantically. Help me let go of my need to be anxious, upset, and harried. Help me replace it with a need to be at peace and in harmony."
The timing was PERFECT for me...the passage and the "affirmation", above.
This passage was an "orange tab" for me...a passage I put a small "sticky" note on so I can easily refer back to it.
If you'd like to know more about the book, you can easily access it on the web...or, contact me and I can give you more insight!
Hugs,
Brent Franklin
I am out of balance right now. My work is on overload, and it is stressing me. Meanwhile, my inbox is overflowing with emails unrelated to work. My Facebook account is overloaded with people waiting for a response. My blog, well, a few people are coming by. It's never been a flood, but since I agreed to write for another blog once a month that has become an assignment rather than a joy. I have too much, and even the joys are becoming a source of stress. So, I understand where you're coming from. But as for solutions to regain the balance, I haven't found mine yet. I am simply going to have to neglect friends on the 'net and get more work done. That has to be my first priority. Beyond that, I don't know how better to keep it all in balance. I'm just always running, yet never really moving.
I think I am off balance now. Life, work, health, parents, aunts....they all just pull me in directions I don't want to go and I don't know how to get out of it. But, like all things....this too will pass.
I got off balance two years ago when my dad passed away. It was quite a surprise and I was not ready for it. I began blogging which actually helped give me an outlet for my thoughts. I tend to go overboard on some things and procrastinate on others. That is what I need to work on. I have slacked off on blogging for now. I need to balance myself also. My youngest daughter is due to have her baby June 1st and I'm sure that will change some things in our lives dramatically.
Off balance? My whole life seems to be off-balance...well, half of it at least...
What do I do to get it back? I keep working toward my goals...nothing else I can do
Out of balance? That seems to describe my life. Something's usually got to give in order for me to get other things done.
I tried commenting yesterday but with no success. I never seem to get my life balance right and I spend far too much time blogging. Anyway it's lovely to see you again.
More off than on.
I require "communication and organization" in others - and yet seem to fail miserably in those areas myself.
Right now I'm just hangin' on to the edge of the world.
(And, boy howdy, do I feel the same way about spelling & grammar. Usually, one can tell discern typos and momentary lapses from blatant misuse.)
You see you struck a nerve with all of us overachievers.
I don't think there is such a thing as having it all balanced. Do what makes you happy. What one person considers balance would make another person very unhappy.
I don't think I ever feel balanced. Just happy when things are somewhat under control.
Karmyn & I have been wondering about you -- we see your twitter updates.
Desert Songbird - I truly like those questions...and I think keeping our priorities straight is critical for survival, at least with a minimum level of stress!
M@ - Just a little? LOL!
Brent Franklin - so glad to see you on here! And the book sounds wonderful - I'll definitely check it out. I find I waste a lot of energy being frantic from one task to another - I need to find some sanity in more gentle but deliberate movement.
Memphis Steve - Boy, can I relate...I got so overwhelmed by the "online" stuff, that I have all but abandoned it. Add text messaging into the mix, and well, it's a wonder I ever have time for real conversation. Online activities have DEFINITELY gotten me off track.
sirdar - sometimes it takes a good jolt to help us figure out how to get on a better track. It's much more difficult to balance people, than "things," however!
Junebug - I, too, went overboard at one time on the blogging - and now I've practically abandoned it. You will be surprised the next time you visit our town.
Bond - Agreed. And keeping our priorities straight - that's key. I'm constantly re-evaluating mine.
Moi - that's all well and good, unless it's your health that gives...take care.
ChrisB - thanks, and I have been negligent again - will post soon.
Pamela - we are so alike! And your blog is one I miss reading...I promise to return.
Spellbound - yes, and it was totally unexpected!
Kila - good point, especially when children are part of the equation.
Pamela - yes, I'm still alive..but 140 characters does NOT offer the best format for expression!
Well, I don't really suppose this is likely to have effect.
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