Shifting Back to Balance

As often does in life, the unexpected came up in the form of a string of medical appointments for my dad.  As his only family here in NC, it was necessary for me to accompany him to most of them.  Now for someone as scheduled as I am my first reaction was a bit of panic – and the question “how will I be able to juggle everything? was ringing loudly in my ear.   The answer quickly surfaced that I couldn’t juggle it all without sacraficing my health and sanity – and my relationship with my father. 

I reminded myself that as a self employed person I have the luxury of creating (and modifying) my own schedule – something I often forget when filling it to the brim.   So I made some decisions.    I let go of whatever was not a necessity right now and moved some other things around where they were a better fit.  I am also practicing saying no or not right now to other things that come up.  

Once I looked at what mattered most to me and prioritized those things into my schedule first, the rest was easier to let go of.  And it is just for now, while this wave of activity with my dad is here.  When it passes, I’ll shift again. 

Making the decision to clear large chunks of time in my schedule was incredibly freeing.  It brought a sense of relief and peace, knowing I can make the time for what matters most in the moment.

What needs to shift in your life – for now?

Easier than you think

I love watching HGTV, especially the programs that showcase homes being decorated/fixed up for little money.  One curiosity I have every time I watch one of these programs is how often the homeowners say after all the work is done “wow, that was easier than I thought it would be, why didn’t we do this sooner”? 

Some of these families have been living in their home for years but “lived with” their space “as is” rather than creating a best fit for them.  Maybe they thought it would take too much time or too much money – but when all is said and done, they see what a small investment of each could have brought them.

Yes, being a TV show they have others designing, planning and doing much of the work, but that kind of support can be hired, bartered or found from some of our current network of friends and family.  All we need to do is ask, seek and commit.

So, this week take a look at your home, your career, your life and ask yourself this question:

What would I most like to see change? 

Then ask – Who in my life can help me to change it?

Big picture and shifting goals

My clients come to me with goals they would like to achieve.  Goals like, choosing a career that is more fulfilling, building a business or creating better life balance.

When we dive into what these goals mean to them a bigger picture of what they truly want for their lives – underneath all of the specific things they want to add, delete or change – begins to emerge.  We see with greater clarity that what they really want may be inner peace, a simpler lifestyle, or joy in the present moment….

This new clarity often brings about shifts.  Shifts in their perspective about their goals, shifts in their commitment toward them or shifts in the goals thmselves.  Building a business may really be about sharing a passion – which adds a new energy to this pursuit.  A goal of a new career may transform into newfound perspective and passion for their current work.  The quest for better balance may shift to saying no and letting go instead of becomming better at juggling what is there.

To find your bigger picture, take a look at your own goals and wants and dive deeper, asking yourself: 

  • Why are they important to you? 
  • What is beneath the surface? 
  • What are you truly reaching for?