Balance

Balance
Abby Crawford

It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot and really, by definition, it probably shouldn’t be. It’s a word that has become so overused, that it’s easy to forget the simplicity of its meaning.

We are always offered sage advice when things are getting hectic to “get some balance”. And when life, share prices, the real estate market etc., is a roller coaster of ups and downs, we tend to review by considering everything “on the balance” of things.

Then of course, there are the situations that are “in the balance” where it will soon be decided one way or the other where things will fall …

Balance has been my word for the month, and I’m gaining some terrific understanding of just how important it is to have it.

Like so many of you, my personal life has been driven to meet the demands (and delights) of running my own business and being a single mum. Hectic! “Get some balance” they’d warn.

My perception of this so-called balance was a lofty concept that required some free time, of which I had none.

However, after steadfastly committing myself to a lifetime of deadlines, I decided it was time to MAKE some time for myself and added a gym session and a yoga session to my schedule. As much as I hate to say it, “they” were right.

The balance has come not just from literally balancing my working hours to include time for me, BUT in the stunning realisation that I feel so much better from this time away from the phone, emails and demands of life that I’m all the stronger coming back to it.

The few hours spent in these activities brings a difference that stays well past the session times. Aha, first light bulb moment that balance really is about yourself not just your schedule.

The second light bulb moment came at the first yoga class. This was where I realised, I had not only been apparently lacking life balance, but most certainly continued to lack, well, basic balance.

It’s a lot harder to stand on one leg and raise the other behind you than you would think. After a fair amount of hilarity at my near face plants, it’s something that I am now immensely enjoying, striving for better physical balance!
And to round out the month, as I feel more and more like “me”, truly awakening and wanting to enjoy life and all she has to offer, I realise that I also need to assess my own commitments within my life. Because I’ve found that I really want there to be room for these newfound freedoms – I guess you could say that situation is “in the balance” and I’m not sure what’s going to give to make way for my new health kick, but I can tell you something is!

Wherever you are on your path, whether you have everything held together, or you have everything in disarray, whether you feel you’re standing steady or wobbling around on one foot – take a moment out for yourself. Then take some time out for yourself.

Seek what you enjoy, are challenged by, and love – and see if that break helps you find a path that will not only keep you steady but will equal out some of the things that are going on.

Maybe this “finding balance” they speak of, is the goal after all.

Till next month, Abby xx •

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