Balance
Let us talk about balance. What exactly is this thing called balance, one may ask? According to the dictionary, balance is an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady. Well, there you have it. What does balance for a woman look like? Society has given women this description of always having it together. The painted picture of always looking beautiful, face always beat, very well dressed, physically fit, SME (subject matter expert) of raising children, the cook, the maid, the sexual goddess to her spouse no matter how she feels, and oh let us not forget, educated and talented. Wow, that sounds exhausting just typing it.
Now do not get me wrong, all these things may be realistic to some, but what about the average woman? There is a balance that we forget sometimes. A balance that is much needed and longed for sometimes seems to be the last thing on our minds. Has anyone ever asked us how we do it all, or do they expect it to be done? I call myself Wonder Woman because I feel that she embodies a strong, resilient woman. She deflects bullsh!t with her gauntlets and takes no mercy, but even SHE must have balance.
How do we raise beautiful humans, take care of the home, and still have a purpose in this world? I will tell you. By simply not caring what others think of you and going through life by doing the best you can with this thing called balance. I have spent years worrying about the thoughts, and it is like going through life walking on eggshells. As a woman, we are built to take on a lot and not miss a beat. We are built to be strong, but even we need…..BALANCE. When we have pulled in so many directions daily, something is bound to fall by the wayside. That is why we need BALANCE.
Balance can come in many forms; like taking a bath and listening to music, getting a pedicure, going to a coffee shop to read, breaking from your regular family routine and going to a movie or dinner, having a good cry, hiding in the basement from the little ones while eating ice cream, having a very tall glass of something, or just chatting with friends…anything to get a break. Balance is what refuels us to take on this thing called life. We cannot pour from an empty cup. As I write this, I have realized that I need a little more balance in my life. Taking a timeout does not mean that we are weak or less; it just means that we need a moment to get it together before stuff hits the fan and we explode. And when you put it like that, I think it is best for everyone. So, I ask, how do you balance yourself in this crazy world?
In closing, let us identify some steps to help us with our balance.
- Make a schedule. Understand your time is valuable and identify your daily, weekly, and monthly routine. I have a calendar on my phone that I look at every Sunday to see what is ahead for the upcoming week. Reminders are a Godsend.
- Set some goals (check out my previous article titled Goal Setting). What do you have to accomplish and how do you work towards that? If crossing something off a list does not get you motivated, I do not know what will.
- Rejuvenate. This is where you draw it in and reflect. Check out the “Self-care” section of my website. There is a lot of great info.
