A Balancing Act . . .

We just finished a few wildly busy weeks that required everyone to work long and hard. It didn’t matter the job description – it was a time when everyone covered each other’s back and put in a great team effort, company-wide. We have a few more weeks at this pace before our schedules settle down. I have often been asked how I balance my personal and professional life and how I sustain my energy during times like this. Admittedly, it was much more of a challenge when I was younger and our sons were growing up. There were times I felt I wasn’t doing a good job, but I was blessed with a large family who filled in where I couldn’t. As a business owner – I worked long hours but had the luxury of flexibility to help.

The lesson I have learned is that the key to creating a balanced life is knowing what YOU need. We all set our needs and priorities aside to tend to the demands of our jobs and clients. When given the chance to take care of ourselves, we are often at a loss to make the best use of the opportunity. Do you know how to make the most of a few hours, a day, or a weekend and use it to replenish and recharge your physical and emotional well-being?

No matter how hectic things are, I have always been able to do this. Though my choices have changed as I have gotten older (more time for maintenance), the benefits of my self-care have remained positive. I am able to regain my balance, take care of my health and sustain my commitment to my career.

Take a few minutes to see if you can list five things to do for yourself – that make you feel renewed and revitalized. I’ll share with you the things that work for me – and hope that you will take this time to create a “recovery plan” for yourself.

The things that work for me:

1. Digging in the dirt; planting flowers; spending time in the yard and enjoying nature. Flowers in every form provide me a source of pleasure.
2. Art shows – not sophisticated ones in galleries but outdoor ones like Art Walk in Little Italy; Art Alive; La Jolla Art Show. The scope of talent and variety of art is always renewing and inspiring. I love sharing this with good friends.
3. Spa treatments – any kind!
4. Trolley rides; carousel rides; puppet shows and “fancy shoe” shopping with my granddaughters.
5. TIME – unscheduled – unhurried – relaxed.

We all have the opportunity to be our own best cure. Do you know how to star in your own balancing act?