Finding The Balance

I've been thinking a lot about balance in my life lately.  Perhaps it has to do with recent conversations I've had with friends.  My pal and I were talking about how to fit it all in within a day.  And by "fit it all in" I mean a combination of taking care of the kids, taking care of the house, taking care of our spouses and yes, taking care of ourselves too.  Not very often can you manage a day like that, a day where you can make everyone happy, including yourself. 


Realistically in our society, I don't think you can have a day like that every day.  I strive for one or two balanced days per week.  The rest of the time, I try to go with the flow, be accepting of change or let the day lead me rather than me lead the day. 


One day last week though I had a very balanced, wonderful day.  I had plans with a friend but they weren't until later in the afternoon.  I woke up early and didn't feel like exercising right away.   So I made myself a cup of hot tea and decided to read a book instead.  First, I threw in a load of laundry into the wash.  (That's my quick-fix to feeling productive - just do at least one load of laundry per day!)  I managed a few minutes of quiet reading before the diva woke up.   Then I made Viv breakfast and instructed her to play in her room so mommy could enjoy reading a little longer.  Thankfully she did.  Soon 40 minutes turned into almost two hours of Vivian using her own imagination and me getting absorbed into the characters of a Neil Simon play. 

A little while later, my friend called me and canceled.  Her kids were still sick and not up to visitors.  No problem, I thought.  I wasn't real disappointed since I was enjoying a peaceful morning to myself.  I felt educated and inspired from reading my book. 

Next I wanted to feel better about my body physically.  So I dusted off the "30-day shred" DVD and popped it into the player.  Vivian joined me for half of the workout making me laugh or driving me nuts with her endless questions about each step we were performing.  I felt better when it was over and done with though. 

Then I glanced all over the house - a complete wreck!  While I was absorbed into my early morning reading, Vivian had dragged out every stuffed animal, every blanket and every toy from her room.  The living room looked like someone had vomitted toys all over it.  That's okay though.  Because even though things were a mess, we could clean them up in a reasonable time.  Perhaps we could make a game out of it.  The mess was still worth the time to myself.  I could compromise on that! 

After cleaning up, we played outside in the beautiful weather.  Nothing special.  Just running around in the backyard, playing catch, kicking a ball, swinging and blowing bubbles.  Although it's not much to me, to my three year old, this is heaven.  So I was glad that the morning was about me and then the afternoon could be about making my daughter happy.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch, watched one of her favorite TV programs and then read stories before her naptime. 

Not long after naptime started, my husband arrived early from work.  A rare, nice occasion!  One that we both enjoy, especially when our daughter is still napping and we can enjoy some intimate time alone.  (Cue music to "Afternoon Delight.")  We even had time to cuddle and watch a little adult television before the diva woke up.

After Viv arose from slumber, we had dinner together: pizza (with red wine for Kirk and me).  As Kirk cleared away the dishes, I folded the laundry I had put in the dryer that morning.   Then we watched a movie as a family - one of my favorite things to do and a great way to unwind from the day. 

We tucked our beautiful girl into bed.  I gave the dog a few belly rubs.  Then Kirk and I enjoyed more quiet time together.  It had been a great day.  A day of balanced energy and time for those I love most - myself, my daughter, my husband and our family.  I was diligent about giving each person what they needed, including myself.  Then I was even productive around the house too.  What more could I want?

Not every day is like this.  We're lucky to enjoy one day out of the week like this.  But when we do, it's precious and special.  I want to remember it so that's why I wrote about it here.  After a day like that, I strive to have more of them in my life.

I hope you have luck finding the balance in your day, your week, your month and your year!  Keep working toward it!