I realize lately that I have been very focused at making this blog a success and less focused on the quality of the journey and the people in my life that I care about. I am writing this blog today as a reminder to myself and to you about the importance of balance. Caring for our relationships, for our health, for our peace of mind, for ourselves financially, are all part of keeping in balance.
My wife Bobbi and I spend many hours together working on our computers. I call this co-doing and it is not to be confused with really being with someone. We both noticed that our relationship has played second place to our creating the results we want. It is too easy to forget what is most important and instead get caught up in the effortfulness of making things happen. We are still doing well and we realize that keeping are hearts fully open to each other is really what matters. So being together in ways that keeps the love growing is essential.
The quality of the journey is a key to an enjoyable and satisfying life. I have to remind myself to live as fully as I can and not to get too caught up in chasing the results I think will make me happy. It is never the results that make me happy any way. Results are an outside thing, happiness is an inside thing. I can have great results but if I am unhappy inside, if my heart is shut down then I cannot enjoy life.
I want very much to have my blog prosper and make a positive difference in the world. If however along the way, I forget to life in my heart then I would have messed up what is most important. Balance is a key here. Consider how well you are doing with these key areas of your life:
How well do you tend to the needs of your heart?
Do you nurture the child in you and remember to play?
Do you take care of your body, keep fit and eat well?
How do you give attention to your feelings?
How well do you listen to those who matter to you?
Is your mind able to focus, to be present, to find stillness?
How often to you appreciate the beauty of nature and have gratitude for each breath?
How do you nurture your spirit?
How do you express yourself creatively?
Are you continuing to grow and keeping your mind open?
Are you having fun, loving and enjoying life?
I hope you find these questions helpful. Each day self-care is important and so is creating the life and results you want. Balancing the attention to self and others and to your goals will make your life work so much better.
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.
Thomas Merton
Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Robert Fulghum
My private measure of success is daily. If this were to be the last day of my life would I be content with it? To live in a harmonious balance of commitments and pleasures is what I strive for.
Jane Rule