How can we create balance and move forward in today’s times? What would that even look like? Albert Einstein explained that “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” However, if we really go deeper, we would know balance is not a destination but a constant journey that is continuously changing. Balance can also be subjective and perceived as feeling grounded, calm, and motivated or have reached some type of equilibrium. Some may even believe attaining balance is easy and straightforward and it might have just been that. However, in reality, too many of us continue to struggle with this especially now with so much uncertainty.
Considering 2020 is coming to an end, the world is still enduring the rippling effects of the pandemic, and being constantly exposed to the injustice occurring all around the country, we have carried a lot on our shoulders, minds, and hearts as clinicians. More importantly, we have all endured some type of change and have had to adjust accordingly, some more easier than others. However, change is not always easy and finding balance when there is constant change may sometimes seem impossible. So how do we get through and get back on track with everything that is going on around us? We must create some space for ourselves to:
- EXAMINE areas in our life have been neglected or have taken the back seat that are still important. ACKNOWLEDGE them without adding any negative or positive meaning, simply acknowledge. ACCEPT that sometimes you may not be able to complete or attend to tasks/priorities and that IT IS OK. Let’s repeat. IT IS OK. Do enough.
- Create YOUR boundaries because boundaries can look different from person to person. This can include limitations for yourself of what you are willing to commit to and increasing the amount of “no’s” you give to others, bringing work home or being on your electronics or social media. Shut it down and give your brain a rest!
- Prioritize what is most important to you and subtract activities/tasks that you are willing to cut out even if it is temporary. This also includes your support system and the people with whom you surround yourself. Ask yourself if these people build you up? Do they believe in you? Surrounding yourself with this energy will empower and inspire you.
- Me time is your time and crucial to decrease stress. Treat yourself, draw, take a long bath, order yourself dinner, buy those sneakers that has been sitting in your cart or simply take a day to catch up on Netflix. Remember that if we do not give ourselves that time, we won’t be able to give our 100%.
- Rediscover your purpose. We all live by our values whether we are aware of it or not and it is possible that we get caught up in our lives, sidetracked by the media, and even frustrated with the current political climate that we find ourselves lost. Aspects of our lives fall in place when we find meaning and live authentically, just make sure you remain HONEST WITH YOURSELF.
Now how do we move forward? It is important to check-in with ourselves in regard to perspectives and attitudes. Have you noticed where your focus often goes when faced with a problem or dilemma? Do you create space for pain because you know there can’t be a ying without the yang or do you avoid as much as possible? Do you see the glass half full or the glass half empty? It is understandable that many of us, if not all have been impacted by 2020 in some shape or form but how do you perceive 2020 and what is your attitude towards it? Some can view it as opportunity while others are still adjusting. Consequently, to move forward we must try to let go of expectations, ride the waves that come along, and welcome it. Too much effort and time goes into avoidance when all we can do to move forward is to EMBRACE THE UNCERTAINTY.
