We can because we believe we can

The brilliance of Balance……

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Balance for me is a word that I wish I had more of and actually think that it is one of the most essential aspects in life that if you get it right everything else falls into place. I remember my Dad saying ‘everything in moderation’ as my brother and I would eat all our Easter eggs by lunch time every year, always regretting the lack of ‘balance’ we had applied to the chocolate feast!

 I guess as I continue my journey through life I often find myself reacting to situations and making decisions that on reflection could have been more balanced! Many a time I have made a snap decision and gut instinct and it is not to say that it was wrong but had I applied some logic and ‘balance’ maybe the outcome would have provided me with less stress and more continuity!

As I watch many of my friends and peers make their journey through life it never ceases to amaze me the different approaches we all have. This makes me think that perhaps there is no right or wrong way to do things, however there is a way for each individual that maximises productivity, happiness and success. Some people and I would include myself in this, have a continued desire for change, challenge and when things become ‘balanced’ per say, they become ‘boring’. I can’t speak for anyone else but I thrive on variety, new people, new places and a new idea, my mind is happy when I am applying some fresh initiative and making a difference.  The question I often ask myself is why do I always need to be busy, what makes me drive myself so hard, often achieving things that I barely take a moment to enjoy before moving on to the next thing.

The other side of my chaotic and fast moving life is one that I yearn for, those people you see, just like my Dad, where moderation and logic are applied in a very considered and meaningful way, every decision is carefully scrutinised, pros and cons deliberated on a neat list in tidy handwriting that drives people like me mad!!! It is then that I ask myself what if I could learn to be just a little bit more like my Dad my life may in fact be more ‘balanced’!! – but do I want this or could my Dad consider letting go and follow his instinct rather than a list of which the intricacy would amaze anyone!

As I write my June blog, I guess I am talking out loud, sharing my thoughts and actually realising that is there any such thing as a ‘balanced life’? For some it may mean boring and mundane, others it is essential for their day to day existence, I suppose for every person this is different and it is what makes you ‘tick’ every day that is the key to living your ‘balanced’ life- whatever that may be.

 I still do look at great artists, singers, entrepreneurs and one thing you would have to say is that each and every one of them had a slightly bizarre ‘balance’ to life – so really is balance destructive to creation and individuality or does it serve a very essential part of helping us follow a path in life that remains in some way normal?!

As I close this blog I am currently sitting in a hotel room in New York about to spend a week with a group of Financial Adviser’s; this year has meant travel, unbalance and a journey into the unknown, all of which I have adored, however I do remind myself of the beauty of harmony when I return home to my husband and friends who without which my life would be very empty.

So you see I think if one manages to find a balance in life that works for them, allows the creative and brilliance to grow, yet maintains an element of structure and consideration that’s a very special place to get to…….I still have a way to go but getting closer during each and every day!!!!

In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.
Patti Smith

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