Balancing Balancing

My recent focus has been on finding balance in my life.  Which got me thinking about what an absurd concept that is.  Ok, maybe that's a bit harsh - but it does seem that we are putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to maintain "balance" in our lives and so I'm beginning to wonder if all that work to find balance is somehow throwing us off kilter.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of things we are supposed to balance:

work vs. family
saving vs. spending
anxiety vs. peace
not sleeping enough vs. sleeping too much
carbs vs. protein
exercising too little vs. exercising too much
print vs. digital

My point is that this nirvana of "balance" is actually never really attainable.  As soon as you seem to have something in balance, something else comes along to knock you out of alignment.  Maybe a personal illness, a job loss, stress at home or a really tasty chocolate cake.

But don't fret.  I'm not suggesting that you throw in the towel but rather that you make peace with the tension. One month your exercise every single day but then get sick and can't exercise for a week but eventually you will be well and exercise again. Perhaps you ate too much chocolate (guess who) but eventually (if you have the right support network and other tools) you will go back to your healthy eating and find the balance in your nutritional intake.

Life is in a constant state of flux.  Rather than obsess over finding balance, find peace in the process of finding balance.  Because although true "balance" may not be achievable the pursuit of it is.

Be well.

Where to start

I haven't written for a while.  Lots of reasons.  School starting, presidential election, stomach viruses, colds, a hurricane then a snowstorm.  But mostly because I haven't felt very inspired.

Or rather, I haven't felt inspiring.

Who wants to read a post from a personal fitness trainer who is not taking very good care of herself?  Who is struggling to stay motivated?  Who has rediscovered her love for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

However, by not writing, I'm not being honest.  This isn't an easy journey.  Hey, after all, this is life - we hit stumbling blocks, we fall but most importantly we get up, brush the dirt off our knees and keep going. 

So, I am going back to basics.

Don't get me wrong.  I still exercise 5 or 6 days a week.  I stretch daily.  A bit of cardio, a smattering of weight training.  Then there's PT for my knee twice a week and a few core strengthening exercises.

And still read when I can, knit a stitch or two and enjoy the whirring of my Swiss-made sewing machine.

But my dietary intake has been less than stellar.  Pretty bad actually.  When I don't feel well, I reach for quick fixes: Bread, pizza and sugar.  And chocolate. 

The scale went up a pound (or two) so the world isn't coming to an end but I need to be honest with myself and give myself permisson to feel better.  To make better choices.  To be kind to myself.

Because if I don't take care of myself, who will?  My friends can support me and say kind words.  My spouse can hug me and tell me I'm doing just fine.  But I am responsible for me. 

This is a wonderful time of year to reflect.  To be thankful.  To be grateful.  To celebrate.

So, I am thankful for the changes I have made in my life that allow me to make good choices.  That allow me to move my body.  That allow me to help others achieve physical well-being.

And I deserve to feel good about myself and how my body feels.

Time to be mindful of the fuel I put into my body so that I can live my best life and be my best self.

Time to feel inspired. 

Be well.