Balance & Excess

So, you've got things balanced? Everything going on in your life seems pretty much in just the right spot?  Remember, this is temporary.  Ebbs & flows are a natural part of life.  However, you want to ride this wave of balance as long as possible, right?  Of course!  After all, balance is what we strive for our whole lives.  So, how do we "milk" this time of balance for all it's worth? 

First, celebrate.  You've worked hard to get to this point and you deserve to treat yourself.  However, remember that the greatest reward is reaching the state of balance itself.  It can be easy to overdo celebrations for your achievements, therefore tipping the balance.  It is difficult enough when outside circumstances tip the balance, however, self-sabotage brings forth guilt as well.  We sure don't want this!  So, what can we do to ensure the maximum benefit from finding our balance?  It's simple really: Avoid excess.  This is easier said than done, however. Some things we do to celebrate are good, but even good things can turn bad when done in excess.  The following guidelines will help mange various means of celebration, without losing your balance:

• Drinks (1-2 is best..unless you handle your alcohol well, but even so, it's not healthy to have more than this in one day)
• Food (Indulge, but keep in mind portion sizes & healthy options)
• Shopping (Keep your budget in mind & spend on things that make you feel better, not guilty)
• Taking time off (a little time can go a long way, so don't overuse your time off to the point that you don't have any left during times of crisis, when you REALLY need it)
• Entertainment (TV, movies, and shows can be great ways to celebrate, but remember that you need down time too...also, don't let it interfere with your perception of reality; TV & movies generally don't depict a real view of life and lead to wanting what you don't have)
• Taking time alone (This is good thing. Time alone leads to reflection, which is necessary for growth.  However, too much time alone is referred to as isolation & this is not good.  Time with family & friends is a good thing too...this being said...)
• Family & Friends ( It is good to have a strong support system to help when you need it & to celebrate when don't.  However, too much togetherness is not a good thing.  Everyone needs time away from each other or minor annoyances can turn into major problems...Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder.)

I'm sure you can think of many other ways to celebrate balance, but try to avoid self-sabotage through excess.  The only exception? 

PEACE & LOVE

(not to be confused with sloth & sex ;-)

Transitions

During times of transition, challenges abound.

• Fear of the unknown 
• "What if..." worrying
• Effect on loved ones (emotionally & physically)
• Facing yourself on those REALLY ugly days (I call these "meltdowns")
• Picking yourself up on those REALLY ugly days
• Trying to make it through the next transition "hoop" without falling on your face
• Trying desperately not to alienate those around you (especially on the REALLY ugly days)
• Getting acclimated to the new stuff while trying desperately not to cling to the old stuff
• Figuring out who you are without the old identity & what the new identity is
• Figuring out how to keep some of your old identity while forming a new & better one
• Problem solving everyday problems with a giant question mark monkey on your back

In essence, transition is grief with growth opportunity.  Nobody wants the grief, but the growth opportunity is hard to resist.  So, we keep trudging forward during these times of grief with a carrot of possibility dangling in front of our faces.  Transition takes courage & initiative.  It's not easy to choose transition. In fact most of us would probably try to steer clear of it if we had the choice. I also takes perseverance.  It takes a good attitude to persevere.  It's not always easy, but sometimes you have to adopt the "fake it until you make it" attitude.  It takes commitment; commitment fueled by thoughts of what you wish to move away from & the opportunities that could lie ahead.  It's important to show yourself compassion during times of transition; physically, mentally, & emotionally.  Transition takes diligence & you can't muster up diligence without taking care of yourself. So be flexible if something doesn't go as planned.   Cooperation is also a necessity of the beast.  Just as you are going to need help from those around you, you need to strive to compromise with them. When we are facing "fear of the unknown", we tend to feel stubborn.  This stubbornness is born out of the desire to cling desperately to all that you think you know because everything else is such a mystery.  Not to worry though.  If you find it difficult to let go of this stubbornness, you still learn a lesson: humility.  Humility isn't pretty, but it is a necessary life lesson on this rocky road of change.  You will stumble. You will melt-down. You will feel unsure. You will alienate people.  You will have an identity crisis (probably a few). But hold on.  Be resilient, tenacious, and optimistic.  Use your integrity to strengthen your fortitude.  It all boils down to balance.  You don't have to be "the best" during these times.  You just have to balance your issues & survive.  These times are helping you to be your best down the road.  So, hold on for a bumpy ride & I'll meet you in the winner's circle. 

Ebbs & Flows

Ebbs & flows are a natural part of our lives.  Our greatest individual potential can be met if we can identify which wave we are riding and where it is in the continuum of ebbs & flows in the great ocean of life.  Imagine you are a surfer.  Sometimes you are riding the waves and exploring your boundaries.  You are keeping good balance.  Other times, you are back on the shore...resting, refreshing, refueling.  You would not entertain the thought of going back out if you knew you didn't have the proper strength, endurance, and agility.  After all, without the proper ability, you would become vulnerable to undercurrents.  


This blog is about identifying ebbs & flows and maximizing the benefits of each through rest, refreshment, and fuel.  It is about knowing when and how to nourish the mind, body, and soul.  


There is no beginning & no end...just continuous waves.  

• Where are you?  Riding the wave or basking on the shore?
• What can you do to maximize your time there? Do you need to rest, refresh, & refuel or explore your boundaries?