The Balancing Act

 I don’t think I have met a woman... single, married, mother or not, that isn’t looking for some form of balance. Have you found it? Do you know anyone that has found it? Nope! Balance is not something that can be achieved. Balance is the constant and consistent act of shifting weight around to feel equilibrium. Therefore, with every element that changes in your life, there is a change to your balance and it may take a little while to gain your equilibrium again.

As a 'mompreneur' in the summer time, my balance has been severely affected! Managing home life and managing a business while my children are home from school, have certainly caused me to re-evaluate the balance of last season and adjust to feel balanced in my current season.

Balance is a topic that comes up continuously in coaching and consulting sessions. When clients are struggling to find their ‘balance,’ I remind them that it is important to map out their priorities and to be clear about what balance looks like for to them. So, what does balance look like to YOU?

We are flooded with images and articles on social media that present what ‘ideal’ family life looks like. Pinterest bento box lunches, daily crafts, mommy hacks, get slim in 21 day detox plans, and the list goes on! If you are working towards an ‘ideal’ that you are seeing on your newsfeed, make sure that it is an ideal that represents YOUR wants and YOUR family. Once you are clear on how you want your family dynamic to look and what balance is for you, it is a lot easier to take manageable  and intentional strides towards maintaining equilibrium.

Here is my top 6 list of ‘things to consider’ when finding your way through your personal balancing act.
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1.       Be Intentional. Intentions determine outcomes. Be intentional about your personal and professional lives. Set daily intentions to guide success in the areas that are important to you. Be sure that your intentions are in line with who you authentically are. This is the only way to harness your personal authentic power.
2.       Focus on Quality Time. Quality is more important than quantity. Find ways to bond with each of your children in a way that makes them feel special. This will help to maximize the impact of quality time. In an age where constant connection to our professional lives and social media can take over, extra effort sometimes needs to be put in being 'there' when you are 'there.'
3.       Let Go of Perfection. Perfection can be destructive. Wanting to seem ‘perfect’ can be even more destructive, as we have no power over the way that others perceive us…no matter how much energy we spend on it. Therefore, be authentically you. Enjoy the journey and remember that your family and professional life thrive when you can be YOU.
4.       Have a Refuelling Plan. Self-care is a big piece of the balancing act. Explore what self-care means to you. Look for easy and daily options that provide ways for you to refuel.
5.       Take Care of your Health. Physical health is essential to well-being and to be able to give your personal and professional life your best. Begin by taking note of your sleeping, eating and exercise habits. Be ready to adjust these healthy habits without losing them when your family needs change. In addition to having a plan to stay physically healthy, have one for keeping your mind and soul healthy. Incorporate ways to fuel your spirit and intellect.
6.       Build a Solid Support System. Know your tribe. Who are the people that help you be at your best?  Who are the people that support and lift you up? Cherish the family and friends in your support system and remember that empowered women empower women.

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