What really is a “balanced life”? If you have not giving equal attention to work, play, family, spiritual life, intellectual learning, etc. have you had an unbalanced day?

This is a concept that I grappled with for years, thinking that not having balance everyday meant I somehow failed. What a set up!

Over the years, I have realized that balance part of the big picture of life, not the snapshot of one day or even a few days. The “scale” is always tipped one way or another. Perhaps there is a big project a work with a deadline looming, so working a couple of hours extra means time gets taken away from your family. Maybe there is a sports tournament that your partner or children are involved in, and you need to skip the arts & crafts fair that you wanted to attend with friends.

You have the freedom to be who you are. If you regularly tip the balance in favour of family instead of work, so be it. Everyone’s values are different. Remembering that all of these aspects of our self do need to be attended to from time to time.

Has your “balance” been tipping in a direction that is not in line with your values? Is there an area that you have neglected? Sometimes a few moments of meditation or reflection – even if it is while you are standing in the shower – can put you back in touch with your spiritual life. Maybe taking the book you have been meaning to read to the kid’s lessons, sports event or while the car’s oil get changed, can be a quick intellectual plug in. Tucking these things into the “in-between times” may give you a boost and the feeling of a bit more balance.

Until next time, wishing you a beautiful view of the big picture.

Roxanne at Serenity & Bliss