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How Good Are You On The Seesaw?
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Balance is something we all seek to have ... but most realise they don't have it when life goes clunk! Editor of Christian Woman magazine Jenny Baxter shares how to keep a balanced life in the midst of a busyness.
When I was little, my sister and I sometimes stopped to play at the park on the way home from school. The swings were our favourite, but we also loved the see-saw. Back then, see-saws were simple affairs—a thick plank, balanced on a metal frame. No handles, no seats, and no springs to break the CLUNK! as it landed.
The see-saw we played on was a double: two planks next to each other. For a while we would sit at opposite ends on one of them. Up . . . down. Up . . . down. We’d sing ‘See-saw, Marjory Daw . . .’ After a while, the novelty wore off. So we would play on our own—one see-saw each.
I loved to ‘walk the plank’ – starting from the end on the ground, I slowly walked up the slope, stopping briefly at the middle to wait for the centre of gravity to shift. CLUNK! The other end landed on the ground. Then I ran down the other side.
My sister liked another game. She stood in the middle of the see-saw, one foot either side of the centre. The trick was to shift your weight ever-so-slightly so as to come to a complete balance. It took some skill and she was always better at it than me. It required fine footwork to allow your weight to move from one side to the other so as to maintain complete balance. A little too much on one side, and the penalty was to hear that earth-shuddering CLUNK!
Life Balance
Maintaining balance in everyday life is a tricky business, just like balancing a see-saw. We talk about having a balanced diet, being emotionally balanced, balance of power, and keeping a balanced budget. They all require awareness and initiative. The moment these stop is the moment balance is lost.
Some people suggest balance is like juggling three balls: family, work and career. However, I think there are other facets to our lives requiring constant attention. Relationships, health and finances are just a few of the additional components in our complex daily lives. The big question is: How do you maintain control of all these areas?
A Quick Quiz . . .
Are you controlling your work – or is your work controlling you? Take this quick quiz to find out. (1 point for each ‘Yes’ answer)
1. Is it longer than a month since you took some time out just ‘for you’?
2. You meet someone for the first time. Do you get annoyed when they don’t ask what you do for a living?
3. You have a choice between fewer hours at work, and more money. You choose the money.
4. Have you put off arranging some important medical checks because you can’t seem to fit them in?
5. Do you ever catch yourself thinking about work during intimate moments with your partner?
6. Do you panic at the thought of having to take the cat to the vet, book your car for a service, or arrange for the electrician to fix those switches?
7. How long since you sat quietly to enjoy some peace and quiet, and reflect on your life—longer than a few weeks?
8. Do you find yourself raising your voice to your children more than actually conversing with them?
9. Have you visited the supermarket more than twice after 9pm this week?
10. Does planning for a holiday seem more inconvenience than it is worth?
Score:
8-10 Sadly—you are totally out of control
4-7 Not too bad—keep working at it!
1-3 Well done—reward yourself with a weekend away
Busy, busy, busy
It has become a defining factor of our culture . . . we think it is good if we are busy, and yet our bodies, minds and spirits are constantly telling us to slow down! Stop! Take a moment to smell the roses!
Balance doesn’t just entail keeping your cool in the midst of a busy life, it also requires we stop the busyness and reflect. Regularly.
Keeping your life in balance – some pointers
Consider your worth as a person
Unfortunately, we fall into the trap of thinking our value as a person is tied up with what we do. However, in reality a human being’s value is actually derived from their very being. If you are driven by what you do, you will never be happy.
Your value is not tied up with how many dollars you earn, how many laps you can run, or how many kilograms you weigh. You are special precisely because you are you.
Work on one thing at a time, one day at a time
Multi-tasking is something we women pride ourselves on, however it is often the road to frustration and disappointment. Of course, some things require multi-tasking like feeding your toddler while watching over homework, or even balancing time between family and friends. That’s not what I mean. Having so many things on the go that you are unable to do any well can be a trap.
If you’re doing only enough to make each project adequate, it means you’re not doing your best.
Set realistic goals
Goal setting is a great way of getting on top of things. But again, a balance is required as we work to achieve them. There are two keys to goal setting: giving yourself a reasonable time frame; and having realistic expectations of yourself.
Remember too, there is no shame in re-assessing your goals and altering them if needed.
Some encouragement . . .
Achieving life balance requires skill and is a rewarding objective. But to be realistic, every now and then things will go CLUNK! As a reminder why we pick up the pieces and keep going, hold onto these words by Mary Anne Radmacher:
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Love as if this is all there is.
Jenny Baxter
Editor, Christian Woman magazine
www.christianwoman.com.au
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