Today marks the Jewish New Year and there is so much that I a grateful for. This past year was both STELLAR and SCARY. I had the highest of highs in my 8 years of blogging, but I also realized how one minute can change your life.
While I used to concentrate on booking my next press trip, heading to an event, or even spending the day in front of my computer writing a post, I’ve come to realize that being home and spending time with Mr. S, Ben, Allyson, and Clem the mini-bull-terrier are more important.
It’s funny how we take things for granted. I walked in the door from a press trip to find that our bedroom looked like a crime scene with blood everywhere. Within minutes the paramedics arrived to take Mr. S to the hospital. Heart failure followed by kidney failure (with one day home from the hospital in between) made me realize just how precious our time is.
The BALANCING ACT
That line between doing what we love…what we’ve always dreamed of, while still being present in relationships with family and friends. For many of us it is an idea that we chase but never seem to realize, yet it is quite simple.
5 ways to achieve balance in life
1. Turn it off
My laptop, cell phone, and tablet always seemed to be either in hand or within reach. COMPLETELY powering them all down made me feel anxious at first, until I realized that what I was missing was NOT on a device at all. When work is done and Mr S and I are in the living room enjoying our evening I try NOT to be distracted.
2. Put yourself first
As a mom it’s typical to put the health of your family before your own. Poor Rachel had to take care of me in Hong Kong when my back (that had been an issue for MANY YEARS) gave out. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t even make it from the bed to the bathroom. I had been neglecting my own physical and mental health. When Mr. S got out of the hospital, I got shingles. The first thing my doctor asked was: “How much stress are you under?” When stress manifests itself as a physical disease or disorder it should be a punch in the gut (because you’ve been ignoring ALL of the other signs) to STOP and look at your life. Sometimes it’s as simple as eating better, getting exercise and making sure you’re sleeping. Me? I added GO TO THE DOCTOR along with those things.
3. Journal
I had kept a journal starting in high school until Ben was young. I needed to write, and I thought that blogging would give me that same outlet, but it’s not the same. On paper it is easier to write, go back and read and use that to sort through your REAL dreams, goals, etc.
4. Indulge
Looking down at my nails I noticed that I haven’t had a mani/pedi in over a year. Facials and massages are left for press trips or events (I head to the Eau Spa this Friday). Treat yourself, It could be a glass of wine while watching TV, coffee at your favorite coffee shop, or an hour having someone else do your nails while you’re forced to sit and relax. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it serves as a reminder that you deserve it.
5. Be Silly
My mom and I used to go hat shopping downtown. I know that the salespeople were whispering about us because WE NEVER BOUGHT THE HATS. We would just try on the most ridiculous of the lot and laugh until there were tears running down our faces. I do that now with my girlfriends (Rachel, Ava, and Sandy are all exceptional at being goofy and fun). There is no better feeling than the ache from a good belly laugh.
What do YOU do to find balance? I’d love to add it to my list.
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