For the past week, it’s felt as if the current of the river I’ve been paddling down has sped up and there have been some rocks and rapids to navigate. It’s been an exhilarating ride, and doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down any time soon.
In the past, I totally would’ve gotten stressed out by such a fast-moving current—and I’ll admit to having a few moments of overwhelm—but the opportunity has been to Be Present, and for the most part, I’ve done that pretty well. (Yeah me!)
Most of us think that staying balanced means maintaining our life in equal parts—this amount of time and energy devoted to work, this amount devoted to family, this amount devoted to fun and me time, etc. True balance, however, comes from within. There is no way to control the external factors of life, so we must find a way to be balanced moment-to-moment.
When life speeds up or you hit some rapids—or even run into some rocks—focusing on being in balance internally will help you enjoy the ride rather than have you holding on for dear life.
One of the best ways to do that is to focus on right now. Don’t look at the past or future, but Be Present. Life feels calmer in the moment. There is only what you can do right now—not the overwhelming specter of everything you have to do, or how things have turned out in the past.
Right now, you have the power to choose your response, and if you are not responding as you wish, you have the power to make another choice. Right now you can breathe.
Another way to find balance is to ensure that your self-care is your highest priority so that you’re able to stay in the moment and respond instead of react. This doesn’t mean that your actions won’t have to shift with the situation—you may have to decide between your workout and adequate rest for instance, or you may choose a more nurturing workout, such as yoga over running. Paying attention to your self-care no matter what’s going on ensures that your body and mind have support to help you thrive in the moment.
It’s much easier to stay in the moment and implement self-care during the fast-flowing experiences of life if it is something you practice all the time.
What can you do today to stay present and practice self-care? What difference does that make in how much you enjoy the ride? How does that improve the quality of your life?
Together we can do it!
Photo from www.freedigitalphotos.net
Really like this, and needed the reminder to BE PRESENT, thank you 🙂
Glad it was a timely reminder! Thanks for commenting!
The photo is perfect for your post. Staying balanced is a challenge at times.
I didn’t say it was easy! Absolutely possible, but yes, challenging. Thanks for commenting!
Your post is so well timed! I have so much going on at the moment, it’s a little crazy lol (“She says taking a deep breath”)
Deep breathing is good! And it helps you stay in the moment. Sending you positive thoughts. Thanks for commenting!
hey Hanna — it reminds me of a old Grateful Dead song — Going to hell in a bucket…but at least I am enjoying the ride.
Love it! Thanks for commenting!
‘When life speeds up or you hit some rapids—or even run into some rocks—focusing on being in balance internally will help you enjoy the ride rather than have you holding on for dear life.’
Totally agree. These types of situations can actually be great opportunities for self-growth. Enjoyed this post…have a good day, Hanna!
Absolutely! Thanks for commenting, Brian!
Love this! I’ve been feeling anxious for awhile now…just because there is so much to do and I guess I’m overwhelmed. So instead of DOING something and making progress, I just sit and do nothing, which only makes me more anxious. Thanks for your post – tonight I WILL be productive. And I know I will feel better for it. Live in the moment!
So glad this was helpful! Look forward to hearing about your progress!
Great timing – this post is the answer to my post titled “So tired”. I was trying so hard to clear up the past, but I should focus on one thing at a time – it really is more calming. Thanks for the reminder!!!
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting!
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Thanks for linking back to my post! Great post yourself!