People calling in to Dr. Laura frequently talk about how they need balance in their lives. They are striving to balance work and home life, or work and family obligations. Dr. Laura then replies that there isn’t a balance there. You might try to balance the two, but your attention will always be more drawn to the hand that pays you.
I believe that, as well. I find it hard enough to balance just the pressures of home life, without adding in a regular job (although I recently started a very part-time job that fits perfectly in my schedule — I’ve been knitting shop samples for my local yarn shop, and I’m getting paid in yarn! :D)
After my recent miscarriage, I’ve found myself becoming more than a bit obsessed with finding information on why I could have lost that pregnancy, and how to replace it. I now know more about conception than I ever learned while trying to conceive my first three kids. I realized I was focused on that more than anything else in my life — almost to the point of neglecting the kids I already had.
After a little soul-searching and prayer, I came to grips that that needs to be a much smaller area of my life, and I need to balance the other areas with the focus they deserve. I’m obsessive compulsive, and tend to focus all my energy on one pursuit until my energy runs out or my pursuit is achieved. Last night, I had the brilliant thought that my pursuit needs to be balance — balance with the appropriate amount of attention on prayer, Scripture study, playtime with my kids, healthy eating, exercise, house cleaning, knitting and reading, and time with my husband.
I think with my new-found focus, my energy in general will last longer and go farther. Now… it’s time for yoga class! My intention for today: I want to find balance of worthwhile parts of my life, and minimize my attention on the parts that do not help me grow as a mother, wife, or person. Namaste.
