Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Which Little Word?


In the beginning of 2019, I had chosen Patience as my One Little Word, but then I read Kym's extraordinary post at the end of January and it felt like an important moment. I thought about it for ten minutes before finally realizing that I had to change my word. Kym's logic and reasoning for choosing Intention as her word this year made so much sense to me, but it was really her simple diagram that showed me why I needed to change my word to Balance:

Balance ==> Focus ==> Intention

This is such a logical progression, but you have to start with Balance. Everything starts with Balance! Right now, I feel quite unbalanced after several years of my father being sick and spending quite a bit of time contributing to the care, help, and transport that he needed, his death in 2018, buying the house in MD, traveling back and forth between NJ and MD, and the death of my mother-in-law last month. I desperately need to feel like I am living a life in balance again, but I know that has not been the case for several years, maybe even longer. I would love to "jump ahead" to focus or intention, but I know that's not what I need. So Balance it is, equilibrium between work and leisure, fun and serious, physical activity and rest, thoughtful consideration and spontaneity.

So far, my actions have been mainly questioning, reading, and thinking about Balance - what it is, what it might mean to me in my own circumstances, what it looks like to lead a balanced life, and trying to practice small steps towards Balance. It will be a slow process, but I think that by the end of the year, I might be able to place myself in the photo of a Life in Balance.

I am joining Juliann and hope you will, too, to read where others' words are leading them.


15 comments:

  1. I think finding balance is a challenge for so many of us, especially women who are caregivers in any capacity. We give so much of ourselves, often to the detriment of self-care. I wish you luck in finding balance in your life this year -- it's such a great thing when you achieve it!

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  2. You've had a LOT of change and upheaval in your life these last few years and I think finding balance will be a wonderful thing to help you going forward. I'm here, cheering you on!

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  3. I hope this is a regenerative, balancing year for you!!

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  4. This! All of this!! And, bravo to you for listening to the call of your word! I think when the word picks you, your journey will be amazing! Go you!

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  5. What a great post Bonny! And, as Carole stated above, you've had several years of major changes in your life...finding balance will be a wonderful thing...and I'm guessing it will be a nice...perhaps even fun...journey. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

    Also...my word (strength) is NOT resonating with me AT ALL!

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  6. I think sometimes our words must change --- maybe even DAILY sometimes. I know I have not been very good so far at actualizing MY word ..................maybe time for a reboot for me too.

    I hope you find the ever elusive BALANCE.

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  7. Your pathway to balance will be a beautiful journey especially after so many years of giving to others. You will regain that equilibrium of life's opposites as your word reveals itself to you.

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  8. It's hard to make progress anywhere in life . . . if life is out of balance to begin with. Here's to a year of discovering what you need to pull things back into balance. XOXO

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  9. Peace to you on your journey toward balance. May it include lovely yarn things too

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    1. Thank you! Foe me, balance will definitely include yarn!

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  10. I think you have already begun your journey just by choosing the word balance. It's hard to keep in balance when you are a giver and others need you, but there is always a time to put yourself first, and I am glad that you have realized that circumstances now allow that. If you are like me, you don't even _know_ sometimes what you want to do, but you will figure it out, and that will be fun! Peace be with you on your journey, Bonny, one step at a time.

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  11. You've had way too many changes in your life for balance but I know you and you will prevail! Most of your stressors are over and done with except driving back and forth from two homes (that would stress me). Your reflections sound balanced!

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  12. I've no doubt you'll regain "balance" in your life. Half the quest is won because you already know what's missing and why. Your thoughtful approach and connection to your word will hold you in good stead.
    Cheers~

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  13. What a great word, Bonny!! Balance is, I think, about RE-balancing ... as soon as I find a place that works, things change ... and I have to find a new place of balance. But for sure, the muscles I exercise (physical, mental and emotional) finding balance in any place make me stronger. Sending up all the good vibes for balance, strength, and ... love.

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  14. The thing I like about your word Balance is that it constantly shifts but is accessible with small changes. And what is life but constant change. You have had a roller coaster these last few years so your feeling out of balance is understandable to me. I remember the few years I helped care for my Dad and I really felt out of whack. I am not saying this well except that Balance is a great beginning and be gentle with yourself as you recalibrate.

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