One Balanced Life

Today was one of those days where there were actually enough hours...
a little work, a little culture(a free family Mozart concert performed by the Saint Paul Symphony - the kids made it through almost one piece), some delicious food I didn't have to cook, a delightful little run around the lakes (only delightful because of some amazing kites being flown otherwise it was freezing), a little facial, and even fit in a little grocery shopping, a little wine and relaxation. So many weekends I find myself frantically trying to catch up on work, errands, and household chores and I'm left exhausted and unsatisfied.

I'm slowing down, simplifying, and prioritizing...some family time, some exercise, some work, whatever I need to do to experience a sense of balance. I continually realize self-care is about so much more than pampering, it is about letting go of expectations and taking a break from or letting go of things that drain my energy.

The laundry doesn't need to be done today, the house doesn't need to be spotless and canned soup is fine for dinner. Life balance is about listening to what you need and taking steps care for yourself...making small adjustments to help life move a little more smoothly.

My Challenge of the Day for you is to consider what do you need today to feel more balanced, energized, focused, and peaceful? Then create One Balanced Day for yourself and enjoy!

About a month ago I made the choice to run in the annual rite of spring 10k race, the temperature hovered around freezing with some bizarre mixture of rain/sleet/hail/snow falling, and the winds were gusting to 20 miles an hour. Needless to say my running partner and I spoke little during the run so I had plenty of time to think and my thoughts went something like this:

“Who does this? Why am I doing this? Is that hail? Is that person seriously wearing shorts?”

After a few (very little) hills that seemed like the same (very big) ones I ran in SF, my thoughts continued along these lines….

“Did I really choose to this? What are my options here? Can I give up? What would I do? Can I sit down hang out on this incredibly breezy bridge with this crap pelting me?”

I finally caught my breath and realized how I was holding myself back. I found myself thinking…

“Wait I can to this! I’ve made it through worse! Instead of fighting it, just give in…let go!”

I was able to relax into my stride and although I almost tackled the well-meaning spectator who was shouting “half mile left” (which sounded like you have 20 miles left), I happily survived. I walked away from the whole wet experience reflecting on other times in my life where I sometimes feel like giving up. Giving up on relationships, house renovations, parenting, my professional life. Instead of fighting with myself I need to remember to get out of my own way. Inevitably when I give in and let go life works out as it should. The best reinforcement of this was when I looked up the race results and found I’d run at my fastest pace ever!

So where can you give in...instead of giving up? Where can you let go?

After making the executive decision that a 23 minute afternoon nap wasn’t quite enough for my four-month-old little sprout, I accepted that I was going to have to snuggle up next to him and urge him back to sleep. Surprisingly it worked and I found myself wondering how long I had to wait until I could safely wiggle my arm out. Thoughts of my “to do” list danced in my head….laundry to be folded, piles of correspondence to be addressed, veggies to be cut, drafts to be proofed. Then it occurred to me I could just surrender to the stillness. Lulled by the sound of his breath, his sleep whimpers, and the warmth of his little body…I was reminded how important it is to take time to just be…to be still...to focus my attention on what is before me.

Maybe you are already skilled at focusing your attention and if so prioritize doing it this week. If you don't feel like you are very focused...it may be less daunting than you think. My challenge for you is to take one activity you do on a regular basis…doing the bills, talking with a friend, going for a walk. Really do it…drink in the sights and sounds, the feel of the paper – the weight in your hand, the sight of the snow – as it drifts in the wind, the sound of your friend’s voice – the changes in tone. If you find your thoughts drifting from what is before you, gently bring them back. If focusing your attention is difficult for you at first, keep at it, it gets easier. Doing so will greatly enhance your life and bring you closer to feeling more in tune and in balance. Enjoy the stillness!

As I was running on the treadmill earlier this week, (I simply can't drum up the courage for outdoor exercise when the temperature is in the single digits) my mind drifted off to thoughts of my early "running career" (actually "endurance jogging career" may be a more appropriate way to describe it). Five years ago, a latecomer to running, I laced up my squeaky, shiny-white, expensive running shoes and stepped on the treadmill for the first time determined to start running....and I DID IT...I RAN...about a tenth of a mile!!!! Prior to this my exercise routine had been reduced climbing the stairs to my second floor apartment. I was committed, kept at it, and eventually much to my joy and delight began running outdoors. Five months later I completed my first half-marathon. I was hooked.

There is a point to this, my reminiscing led me to think about the power of small steps. Those first very small strides on the treadmill led to big changes in my life...my weight, health, self-esteem, and mood all improved.

We all have areas we want to grow in....work, play, spirituality. Small actions are the start of big change. I encourage you to think about an area of your life that you would like to improve. What do you want for yourself in that area? How can you take better care of yourself in that area? What small steps can you take to create the life you want?

So here is my challenge for you: What step can you take today?