The Art Of Balance

Somewhere between a nine and twelve hour work day (which doesn't include travel time), tending to your family, keeping your house in order, and church, it's hard to get a fraction of time to yourself. Let's be honest, I'm just scratching the surface of a few activities that are on your agenda.

The days of taking a nice hot bath, getting a pedicure, or finishing a book that you started reading two years ago seems to be out of the picture. At some point, we stamped an "S" across our chest and considered ourselves Superwoman. We convinced ourselves that we could strap the world on our shoulders and  carry it. But let's be honest, that "S" now stands for "Stressed".



You're grumpy. You're running low on sleep. Just when you feel as though you've caught up on all your work, there seems to be another obstacle awaiting you. Quite frankly, you're one friend asking for another favor away from exploding. You want to get in your car and drive away. Your destination is anywhere your phone won't receive reception.


Who said that YOU have to do it all by yourself? As much as we don't like to think so, the world would function without us. Have you ever seen someone fired or leave their position and no more than a week later someone was in their office taking over their old job responsibilities? What tasks can you delegate to others? Your way isn't the ONLY way to do it. It's just one way to do it. I'll even let you in on a little secret. Are you ready? It's okay to say, "No." You don't have to accept every task or favor someone ask of you. Right now you may not be physically or mentally available to help them. It's important for you to take care of yourself and your well-being. That means going to the doctor, taking time for yourself, and enjoying life.

I once had a crush on a guy that looked great on paper. Single? Check! Christian man? Check! Active in church? Check! Had interest in me? Check! Had balance? None! He spread himself too thin. He juggled so many things. Being active doesn't mean you're product. And while there was a smile on his face, it was evident that he barely took time for himself. God rested. Jesus rested. Resting isn't for the weak, it's for the strong who know they have to renew their strength.

Do you know what makes you smile anymore? Do you know if you still have the same hobbies. It's not selfish to take time for yourself. A life without balance will always be shaky. If you feel as though you HAVE TO do it all, ask yourself does it ALL have to be done right now? It's hard to give to others when you barely have anything left for yourself.

I challenge you in the next seven days to take one hour to do something ONLY for you. Pick one day to do it. Find out who you are again. No one is going to give you balance, at some point you have to create it.

~Eve