The dictionary meaning of the word “Balance” is divided into two; a) Noun definitions and b) Verb definitions, and they are as follows:
noun
- an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
- a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
verb
- put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall.
- offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another.
I googled what the word “balance” means simply because the fact that I wrote this article in the middle of work, play, family and friends while taking a pause and deleting proved to me that balance is something I lack heavily. Don’t judge me, you are probably reading this while trying to submit your assignment, text your friend and call your mom.
In this day and age, finding balance is proving tricky. I mean, when do you get the time to catch up on your sleep, apply for those jobs, eat right, get fit, be a better person and still find the right Instagram filter for your selfie? What if I told you, there’s no pressure? There seriously isn’t a deadline to living a balanced life. There is no textbook or manual, there is no way you SHOULD live. All of that DOES.NOT.EXIST. It is just some preconceived mess that was instilled in our heads by “who knows?” to fool us into thinking there is a certain time that one should be having their lives together.
I, for one always struggle with balance. I even joke about how my ducks are never in a row. They are rather floating freely in the pond and are sometimes in a nice cute line for a brief moment then it is back to square one. That is me, that is my balance. Some people, though, have it together. They set alarms and honour them, they have their toasted bread not too burnt, their sugar is the right amount, they get to work on time every time and they do not exist. Yes, we are all human. Sometimes these things don’t go the way we planned them.
My best friend of twelve years has always been great at winging this life thing. Don’t get me wrong, she planned to go to varsity and get a job and do certain things, but when it came to trying to juggle and balance her life, she did the most perfect thing for her. Took “bite sizes” of responsibilities. For example, when she had four classes a week, she would have two days to work and one full day to rest and study. It worked for her. She managed to keep this flow going for a little less than five years. She never bit off more than she can chew. That is just who she is.
And it was her who made me realise there is no need to rush in this life thing. I do not have to rush to take a bite of everything. In fact, I need to figure out what it is my life can handle and focus on balancing that. It is not easy, if anything, it feels like a lot of work in the first few months. You tend to ask yourself if you are doing well, enough, doing it right, doing it all…it is almost like learning how to walk.
So here is some advice. You don’t have it together. No one does. Not even your favourite Instagram influencer. We are all winging it. Find your perfect size, what you can handle. It is really okay to say “No” to certain jobs, events, get togethers, friendships and relationships. If you feel like it is going to take more from you than give you something, then let it go. And as for whether you are doing great or not at this balance thing…ask yourself “Am I happy? Do I feel sane? Do I feel no pressure?” and if the answer is “Yes” then in the words of Kris Jenner; “You are doing amazing, sweety”
Sidenote: March 8th marks International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is “Balance For Better”. I don’t know about you, but I am here for it.
Celebrate your imbalance, and remember…We are all trying our best.
Peace, Love and Unicorn Glitter.