Balancing Act

I apologize that this newsletter is a day late. And, the circumstances surrounding the delayed mailing have driven the topic of this article. Recently, an extremely wise man I consider a friend posted his own newsletter and thoughts regarding balance. I was stunned. John Cali is one of the most peaceful, loving, caring and hard-working individuals I've ever come in contact with. His ability to find serenity in the face of chaos is an inspiration (and quite frankly, a personal goal of mine).

In that newsletter, he spoke of balance. I calmly read it, took a deep breath, and savored the moment -- right then, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had a semblance of balance in my life, and was somewhat adept at maintaining (or recovering) my sense of balance.

This, dear readers, is where you start snickering. Yes, the Universe stepped in to remind me to pay more attention to my life.

Normally, I thrive with my current choices of work: Hypnotherapy, Personal Coaching, Irish Dance, Author and College Instructor. Each of these is "part time" so that I don't get burned out on any one. But when I fell in bed at 1:30 Monday morning, with a sense of accomplishment, I realized just how wrong I had been.

That was balance? Who am I kidding?

I realized at 1:30 Monday morning that I had been going to bed at 2:30 in the morning for nearly two weeks. I was in pain. I was tired, cranky, irritable, annoying and tired. Did I mention I was also tired?

I forced myself to sit back (at 8:30 Monday morning when I had to get up) and think for a few moments. What impact was my pushing myself having on me? On my family? On my clients? On my students?

First, I thought about my husband and children. When I asked, I got very honest (but loving) answers. My husband joked that it was nice I had noticed -- my children expressed concern and a hope that this meant that the late nights were at an end. My students had noticed I was a bit more excitable in Irish Dance class, and my clients had not noticed any change.

It was there I had been focusing my energy -- even as I had let myself slip out of balance, I had poured more and more energy into their need for support, healing, and transformation. I doubt I could have maintained the pace I had forced upon myself much longer, and I wonder how much longer I would have still been a change enabler for my clients. After all, if I was not coming from a place of health and peace, how could I expect to create this atmosphere for them?

It was time for a hard stop, a change, to hit the reset button. What were my next steps to be?

My family forgives me -- but I still am making more time for them. On Wednesday, I will take no clients, so that I am fully present to assist my husband as he undergoes his next surgery. I will do grading in the waiting room -- after all, I don't do well just sitting around in such an atmosphere.

The university class runs for two more weeks, and by Sunday, I had finally developed a routine for grading that was far more efficient than the one I had been using. I will miss the stimulating conversations, but I also will need a few weeks off before I teach another class. This time, I will serve their needs and mine much better.

My clients and dance students will return to their normal places in my life -- the place that brings me joy and allows me to serve my purpose in this life. And I will get more sleep. I promise.

My joy is derived from loving my family and my life. You can find love within your life, too. If you pay attention, you'll see how. Love and joy are found in the smallest things, and in maintaining balance between serving your needs and the needs of others.

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.