It’s 12:30 a.m. and I’m up blogging. I’ve seen a good number of midnights in the last few weeks. My life is unbalanced. I should be in bed snoozing away and resting for tomorrow, but alas here I am pounding out my thoughts to you dear friends.
There are countless self-help books and blogs on living the balanced life. Truth is, I find it to be an illusive, unattainable goal. By the way, who came up with this idea that a “balanced life”, whatever that is, should be our goal? What is a balanced life?
Personally, I think there are a lot of myths out there that we can somehow perfect ourselves into a Shangri La existence. I don’t imagine this side of eternity approaching anything that resembles perfection.
Somewhere in this past year I think I’ve officially given up on pursuing a buttoned-up, polished, well balanced life. Funny thing is, the more I have let go, the happier I am. Is my life more or less healthy than before? Not really. Other than the fact that my stress level is lower since I’m now an official member of the Happy Unbalanced Life Club.
Do you feel like your life is a little off-kilter, a little unbalanced but happy with it just that way? Well, join the club, there’s always room for one more.
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I’m not sure about balance, my problem is with supply and demand. We all have a limited supply of time, while commitments, people, and hobbies all demand pieces of that supply.
Where does more time come from? For now, I’m glad to give up a little sleep to pursue a hobby or interest. I’ve cut what I watch on TV down to almost nothing, and make sure I spend time with my family.
You have to give the really important things the highest priority.
Mike, Yes very true. Family is important. I had several conversations yesterday about priorities, priorities at work, at home and with my pastor for our church. That is a much more important meter. I’m mostly just poking fun a bit at the self-help culture of “the balanced life”. It’s just a farce. Priorities on the other hand are better way to think. Great comment, thanks.
Hi Phil,
Currently I am a member of your club! I do agree with you that it is not easy to live a balanced life although I had a post about that:
http://acquirewisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/live-balanced-life.html
Anyway, all things are difficult before they are easier! Let’s encourage one another to remember to live a balanced life.
Blessings to you and yours.
Sam Chan
Sam,
Good thoughts on balance in your post. Yes, I see wisdom in trying to strike a balance in life, I just find it so illusive to pin down. I don’t think it’s truly equal parts of multiple areas such as spiritual life, family, friends, work, etc. It seems almost undefinable to me. What Mike commented on is living by priorities. Somehow, at least for me I find that to fit better in giving me a framework that is practical and measurable. What are my priorities? If spiritual life is a priority, how much time do I spend in prayer, reading or involved in church life. If it’s a priority, then it will be evident. Same with family. Balance on the other hand frustrates me as I feel like I’m trying to keep too many plates in the air and call it a balanced life. That said, I want to live a healthy, productive life and I think we can encourage each other in that direction.
Unbalanced, indeed. I could write one of my very wordy posts on this topic, Phil. I went from 90 miles an hour, tongue hanging down to my knees feeling like I wasn’t putting a dent in my responsibilities to a complete stop. I’m still trying to figure that one out. Of course, my version of “stop” is most likely very different from that of others. My priorities have just shifted. My days are full, I question when I want something or feel I “need” it, and generally feel that I’ve really trimmed back on alarming levels of excess I was becoming accustomed to because I was always working. Things are much, much more simple, but with respect to your post, I believe my “pendulum” has just swung back to the opposite direction. Still not a balance. Perhaps that’s what I’m seeking right now. Goodness knows, I couldn’t have done so before.
Did you make the blue “button?” Is it something I can put in my sidebar? I love it!
Kelly, starting in reverse. Yes, I made the button myself and you are welcome to put it on your side bar. Join the club!
Yes, pendulum swings, that something I relate to. What I’ve finally come to is a “happy” – resignation, contentment and being okay with – “unbalanced life” – I don’t have a steady equilibrium. Since giving-up on that goal, but rather viewing life from priorities, it seems more reachable and effective to me to prioritize. Meaning, there may be 10 things I need to focus on, but the top three half to happen. For example, a high priority is to spend time with my kiddos. No matter how crazy my day gets, I want to see them that day. I may not get to other stuff because of it, may stay-up late etc., but my girls will see their dad. It’s not balanced, but it’s putting what is important to me.
Welcome aboard.