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Life Balance
 By Susan Stephens
I wonder, is finding balance in our lives one of the most testing things any of us has to do? Family concerns always come first, but then self-realisation is necessary if we’re not to feel frustrated and eventually even perhaps a little bitter… So, we work and we nurture, and we do all the everyday things we have to do- but does anyone have that balance just right? If you do, we’d love to hear from you! And that’s our contest chat-theme for today. Let us know how you achieve- or strive to achieve balance in your life. I gave up my daily writing diary recently, and I’m missing it already. I’m now trying to think of a way to do everything and yet not feel buried- I guess you all know that feeling! Upside of all this? If I’m ever tempted back into writing non fiction, ‘Finding Balance in Life’ is a good a title as any ;-) How do you cope, ladies? I know I could do with some pointers. Do share your thoughts with us, because I’m betting there’s not one of us reading this who couldn’t do with a little help, advice- or comfort.
As always, I’m looking forward hugely to chatting with you- and don’t forget you can always contact me directly at susan@susanstephens.net or visit my site where there are more contests for you to enter www.susanstephens.net And as for that Writing Diary… Never say never ;-) I’m guessing it won’t be long before I’m back. Love to all, and happy reading everyone! 22 Responses to “Life Balance” |
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September 21st, 2007 at 9:19 am
Hi Susan,
I’m looking forward to what everyone has to say ~ I could surely use some advice on this subject.
Sometimes it feels like the more I try and do the farther I fall behind. And, if and when I do take time for myself I have a hard time even enjoying it and relaxing. For instance - if I’m really good to myself I like to have a massage at least every 4-6 months. Ususally the whole time I’m laying there thinking and making a list of everything I need to do. The same thing happens when I sit down to read a book. I almost feel like I need to lock the doors - if myhusband or one of my sons came home early and caught me just sitting I’d feel “caught”. lol My husband loves to golf - I don’t. The last several years I’ve started going with him and just riding in the golf cart. He golfs and I READ. And do you know what? I don’t feel one damn bit guilty when I do. lol
September 21st, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I have to say that I am pretty happy with my life! I have a specatacular part-time job with a wonderful boss! I work 3 times a week. I have a super hubby who allows me to have hobbies. I read voraciously! I have tons of TBR books that I just love to look at. It is like my own mini-library! I go to plays, concerts with my girilfriends. My husband has his own hobbies as well. We love each other so much that we respect each others time to be alone. We have a lot of quality time together too.
The best way I found to balance my life is to schedule things out. The stuff I don’t want to do, I do first. The stuff I am responisible for I do like clockwork and have it on the calendar. The stuff I love to do comes last but is equally important on my calendar. I block out those days or times so there is time for fun and I am able to do it.
September 21st, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I definitely make time for the important things. They are a priority which I must have. Daily exercise, mostly gym workouts and or a lovely walk outside in the sunshine. This clears my mind and gives me the motivation to complete all the other chores, household, shopping etc. I plan time to spend with my daughters whose lives are busy but each weekend we go out together and catch up on things. A good night’s sleep is a must in order to function properly and I do not feel at all guilty when I soak in the tub, read a wonderful novel and bake a cake.
September 21st, 2007 at 2:47 pm
It is funny you should mention this because I was thinking to myself yesterday evening how burned out I feel. I have an 11 month old baby girl who does not sleep well so hubby and I don’t either. Our 4 year old still gets us up at night occasionally as well. I know eventually they both won’t be so dependent on us but it is so hard to balance spending time with them with doing everday tasks, Seems like everyday something gets left undone and whenever I catch up somewhat on a few tasks something happens to cause me to fall back behind. It can be rather frustrating. I would not trade my little ones for the world. They are so precious to me but I must admit I sometimes miss those before child days. I was so much better organized then.
September 21st, 2007 at 3:06 pm
The biggest thing I have to learn to do in order to find that balance is “go with the flow.” I come from a family that everything was very structured and you never did anything spur of the moment. That just doesn’t seem to work in today’s world. Everyone I know does things at the last minute so I am just going to have to learn to do that too or else be stressed over every little thing.
September 21st, 2007 at 4:31 pm
It seems like I am continually trying to find balance in my life. Of course, having 3 children means that the balance must be constantly changing as their needs and interests change. I’d like to think that I have achieved a reasonable balance right now. I have learned to say “NO” and stopped doing some volunteer work that required a lot of time and did not return a lot of benefit to my family and me.
September 21st, 2007 at 9:04 pm
I am pretty happy with my life. My husband and I are retired and I now have time to do the things I always wanted to do. I read a lot, sew, cross stitch and knit. I also watch sports on tv. All in all my life is pretty balanced.
September 21st, 2007 at 11:49 pm
My balance is not just right for sure. There are days when things get done that are important and some that aren’t so important and then there are days that nothing gets done. I have learnt that on those days I must not feel guilty or stressed because there is nothing saying that anything has to be done just then. DH and I just retired this year and we plan on having fun times and feeling so much less stressed than before. He doesn’t complain if the house is untidy or meals aren’t on time but I stress over this and am trying to not do so. IN FACT, my neighbor and I took off for the city today for a ‘girl’s night ‘ out and it felt good- we went shopping and then out for Chinese food and then home and took our dogs for a walk. I for once didn’t let it bother me that I wasn’t there to make dh supper. Yippee!!!
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:57 am
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, ladies. It seems to me we have a variety of results here from both ends of the spectrum and all points in between.
I look forward to reading more before choosing our winner for this week- thank you once again for taking part.
Susanxx
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:36 am
When I was working I got up early every morning and did tai chi for about 20 minutes and then spent 30 minutes meditating. Following meditation, I’d write in a journal. Then I’d shower and get dressed, ready to go to work. Now that I’m retired, there’s no stress so I just get up when I want, read, take walks, basically do what I want when I want.
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I just wrote a reply and lost it- so here we go again- I just wanted to say I’m really getting a lot out of reading your comments, and hope that goes for all of us.
I’m going to leave this forum open until tomorrow when I’ll pick a winner at random
Thank you so much once again, ladies for supporting this chat, I really appreciate hearing your thoughts
Susanxx
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Since I am a full time student and want to make the most of each day, aside from school and studying, it is difficult but I find time to visit with my mother every weekend since I live at school and she is alone. That gives us quality time to go out to eat or shop and catch up on our week. I miss her and she is busy as well with full time teaching so it is a benefit to us both. Life is certainly busy when you are pursuing an objective and hopefully will become more balanced as time goes on, but who knows?
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I think a big part of a balanced and fulfilled life for me is celebrating the everyday gifts. It’s so easy to say “I’ll take time to enjoy life when I get caught up on work, lose 10 pounds, etc.” I’ve certainly been guilty of doing that. I think having children made me realize that life was passing me by while I waited for the next big thing. Now, I try to live in the moment, every moment. I’m not going to miss out on joy, love, and beauty of today because I’ve become to busy to notice what I have right now. Yes, I have goals for the future which I will steadily work toward, just not at the expense of the present.
That’s my key to balance I suppose.
Hugs, Zara :grin:
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:55 pm
To keep a balance in my life… I usually go to the gym and get all the negative in me out! and then I come home and read a good book to relax ;-)
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Nice question… balance… I think we are all looking for a special, magical formula . It would make my life much easier. :idea:
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I am a full time student… a med student. So I study a lot, work a lot, and never have time to enjoy life and think about balance. I take things as they come and voilà, that is my balance in life.
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I am grateful for each day that I feel well and that my health is at the optimum level. Otherwise where is the quality of life that is so vital for enjoyment. I think that we have to balance life and live it to the fullest but in segments so that we are not overwhelmed.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:38 am
Anne, I’m with you- I remember my father saying, if you’ve got your health you’ve got everything- now I’m not saying I agree with him totally, but without good health it’s hard to get give full attention to other areas of your life.
Hey, Nathalie, I know we’re all wishing you the very best with the path you’ve chosen. You know what they say- if you want something doing ask a busy person… Now, Nathalie- (only joking, sweetheart- good luck with all your studies)
Lily, you just joined me on that search!
Maggie- give me the good book- hold the gym!
Zara, you’re so right. Appreciate today and stop fretting about tomorrow.
Jenna, you sound to me like a lovely caring person, and that won’t change.
Laidybird, I’m really interested in looking into the positive benefits of Tai Chi- I hear so much about it- all of it positive.
Hi Robyn! Good to see ya! Feeling guilty is the biggest part of it- now if I could just lose that…
Estella, I’d just love to come and share some time with you. You sound so laid back.
Linda F? Tell me about it- 3 children, I know that feeling- one’s happy, the other two aren’t- but you just be sure you cut yourself some ‘me’ time.
Catslady- hi! Good to see you. Go with the flow- that sounds like a great piece of advice to me.
Cherie, you cherish every day- they grow up so fast.
Ruth, your weekends sound enviable- no wonder you can chill out in the tub.
Michele L… ‘We love each other so much…’ Oh, Michelle, that’s like a ray of light. I love that.
Christy, you’ve got the ‘guilt thing’ just like me- let’s lose it together, hmm?
Back in an hour or so with my winner- and boy, you haven’t made it easy, ladies!
sXX
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Michelle, not only are you orgnised, but you have so much love and romance in your life. You’re our inspiration this month. Would you like to send your details, please, to lee@susanstephens.net. because you are this month’s contest winner!
Congratulations!!!
All Best to all of you from the UK
Susanxxx (see you again next month)
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Thank you so much Susan! I just sent you an e-mail with my mailing info. I am so excited to have won a book from you! Woohoo! :grin:
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
My hubby is my inspiration! He supports everything I do. I love to help him out too in his projects when I can. We are always they for each other. We make sure to kiss and hug each other everyday. There is a lot of love in our life!
September 25th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
wtg michelle