I have always heard that phrase, and often, have said it to people.  What does it mean?  One word… BALANCE.  Again, what does balance mean?  Now we can start to have a deeper discussion of how to implement ‘everything in moderation’.

When people do things in extremes, there is always a pay out.  For example, athletes dedicated to their sport, may be the best in their field, but can suffer long lasting injuries or severe burn out of their sport.  Or individuals who work long hours, give up personal/ family time, in order to achieve higher monetary gains.  These behaviors are supported by motivational marketing, and societal beliefs about what ’success’ is.  When we chase the illusion of success, we lose balance.

I think about our experiences in life like filling your bookshelf.  We also need to determine our bookends.  Those are the extreme experiences, that help to set our parameters of where our comforts and discomforts are.  Life isn’t about doing the same thing all the time, or we would be lopsided!  And our books would fall over   When a person experiences an event to their maximum, on either side of a spectrum, the ultimate is to  settle somewhere in the middle.  That is finding your balance.  And it is good to emphasize that when we change a behavior, it isn’t necessarily true that we would then do the exact opposite behavior, but more so change our thought or perception of that  original behavior, which will allow our action to become more balanced and fulfilling.

The first thing to do is to determine what you love about life.  Again, sounds easier than done.  But in order to find balance in your life, you MUST begin exploring your inner happiness.  Someone once asked me “How do you re-charge? Where is your ‘happy’ place?”  That was an easy answer, because I have a few gems that bring back my energy… and you can too.

To kick start your creativity of what you would like to add to your re-charge list, I will share a few of mine   Read a fictional novel.  Hot bath.  20 minute nap.  trail ride on my grocery bike or mtn. bike.  Create a block or two for a quilt.  Go to the gym for a workout.

If you have a few things on your list, you will never be limited on how to re-charge yourself.  Regardless of time, location, and resources, you will always have a ‘happy’ place. You will then be able to go about your next step with more awareness and clarity.  Learn to be aware of why you are doing something, and for what reason.  This will connect you with your inner balance.

Living Life In:Creases ~ Leah