"I don't have time to get together with you. I have to finish this project." Or the conversation might go like this. "I've been overwhelmed at work and I'm too tired." Do these conversations or variations on the theme seem familiar? We have lost our ability to live in the moment and to be spontaneous. We are consumed by our "to do" lists and our responsibilities and obligations.
Living a balanced life is a dynamic process that involves making a series of adjustment much like sailing. When the wind changes directions you have to adjust your sails to keep the boat sailing in the direction you want.
And that is your life...The winds or circumstances of your life are always going to change. The sooner you can recognize these changes the better
Sometimes, when you are out of balance and sailing off course, it’s obvious. At other times, you need to pay attention to the signs or signals that are letting you know that something isn’t right. These signs or signals show up in many different ways. Health issues, relationships issues, financial issues and many other challenges are there to remind you to look deeper into how you are living your life.
In this fast paced world, you need to be prepared to adjust to the many challenges you will be faced with. Taking time for quiet reflection in the morning and beginning your day with calmness, clarity and focus is the best preparation for the day’s challenges. However, instead of starting the day with calmness and focus most of us start the day in a hurry like we’re trying to catch a train and have developed the sense that we won’t have enough time to get it all done. To compensate for this constant state of anxiety, we have developed the habit of working harder and longer. As a consequence, we don’t have enough time for the things that give us meaning and pleasure.
Changing this pattern is not easy. It involves leaving the familiar to enter the world of the unknown. The fear of exploring the vast unknown keeps many individuals trapped in an unfulfilling career or relationship and from exploring new opportunities. Other fortunate ones are blessed with that spirit of adventure and are able to embrace the unknown and its opportunities.
The fear of fully expressing who you are also contributes to this pattern. It is this fear that keeps hidden some of your deepest needs, feelings and insights. It is only when you are your most authentic that you have the deepest impact on others and experience real freedom. Being less than authentic deprives many others of your gifts and contributions.
It takes courage to live an authentic life and to be true to your values. Living true to your values and priorities is not as easy as it seems because as you expand and evolve, what is important to you will also change. For example, many busy clients that I work with want to have a relationship, but forget to ask themselves if they are willing to devote the time necessary to have one. Many have a desire to become a more interesting person, yet are unwilling or unable to devote themselves to activities or interests that make them so. Others say they want free time yet they are involved in careers or projects that are time consuming. When you have a passion, it’s much easier to find the time to pursue it. When I was a busy lawyer, I always made time to play music.
Once you have developed clarity as to the life you want to live you are well on the way to making that life a reality. Having clear boundaries is the bridge to this life and affects every aspect of your life. Setting clear boundaries requires you to be courageous and to take a stand. It requires you to say “no” which for most people is the most difficult word to say. Many people are fearful of the repercussions if they say ”no,” and or reluctant to disappoint another. But think of the alternatives, you end up agreeing to live someone else’s life and resenting it. To put it another way, setting clear boundaries is about reclaiming your life and reclaiming your power.
You have more empowering choices than you realize. As you reclaim your power you will be living your life from choice rather than fear. Here are a few suggestions to help you with this inquiry.
• Take time each day for quiet reflection in the morning and for reading a personal growth or spiritual book. It sets the tone for the day.
• Take some time to commune in nature.
• Eat healthy and exercise and don’t forget to smile!
As time goes on it when you are conscious about it, Living a Balanced Life gets easier. If I may be of help to you on your journey let me know.
Journey On
Mark
Reclaim your Life-Live in Balance - To learn more about this author, visit Mark Susnow's Website.
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