finding balance

I have searched for balance in my life for 45-years. I have not found it. Maybe because it’s not really there. There are the days when everything seems to fit together like a puzzle piece and the day progresses so smoothly that it runs like a well oiled machine. But I think you would agree the majority of days aren’t like this. The majority of our days leave us tired and wanting to only look forward to tomorrow because it brings us one day closer to Friday. I’ve ended my search for balance in my life and instead I’ve focused my search where it is more easily found; in my everyday activities. I can balance those activities and how they fit into my life if I allow them. We all have responsibilities we need to attend to in our personal and professional life. This is my plan for balance and it works better than 75% of the time. I rise early and claim the morning. This is my time. I share it with no-one. I eat exercise, eat breakfast, check email and read. This may seem like quite a bit for just a couple of hours but if I maintain the schedule it allows me to accomplish quite a bit. I don’t worry about work until my work day begins. My work phone begins to ring at 8AM. It doesn’t need to be answered or even have voice mails listened to. During work I can only accomplish what I can accomplish. I do my best everyday and realize that not only am I not Superman…I don’t want to be Superman. I have come to realize that in order to preserve myself so I can be the best individual, the best husband, the best father, the best photographer, the best whatever I want to be, I need to be capable and willing to say one of the most difficult words in the English language. If you think the word is “No” you have guessed correctly. I also take 10-minutes ever night before I go to bed to review my day. ‘Did I accomplish what I had set out to accomplish?” If yes, great! If no, why not? Where did I allow my time to be redirected? I then look at what is planned tomorrow. Is it realistic? Will I be able to accomplish what is scheduled” If no, I make plans to make revision when my day begins tomorrow. I have come to realize there will always be people who will make demands on my time. I have also come to realize what of those demands are realistic for me to fulfill. I know it sounds cliche but “You can only do what you can do.” Take time out of each day to ensure you have “done what you need to do for yourself.” You’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re always angry, tired and sick. Now go and reclaim your life by reclaiming your day!