Tips for Choosing Life Balance Moments
By Tracie Hiemstra, 2000
- Remember that life balance is a specific choice.
- Being aware of your personal needs allows you to intentionally capture even the simple moments as they present themselves.
- Think in terms of impact, not just time. You are the judge for yourself.
- Examples of choosing for your perceived impact in each of the personal balance categories are:
- Physical:
Park away from the supermarket door so you have to walk a few steps further; take that extra 3 minutes the night before to make sure the pants you want to wear are pressed; give yourself an extra moment before a presentation to breath deeply and envision your success; floss (it adds years to your life). - Emotional:
Allow yourself to be angry by writing down all the words that come to mind when an event occurs; let the tears come when something touches your heart; allow yourself to moan with pleasure when you bite into a ripe strawberry; listen to the end of your favorite song on the car radio even if you are already late. - Mental:
Read the newspaper headlines when you don’t have time for the whole article; read the grocery store check-out line magazines while you wait; give yourself time to think; listen to public radio. - Spiritual:
Consciously stare at a beautiful scene for 60 seconds; watch the birds fly while you walk; stop and actually smell a pretty flower; meditate.
- Physical:
- It is up to you, not anyone else, because your targeted focus brings your sense of well being. Make your personal balance plan a priority.
