I posted this on Instagram today and thought, “This really should go on my blog.” I am consistent with Instagram as a place for writing my therapy thoughts so if you’re looking for more than the occasional blog post, head over to @MindfulCounseling on the gram.
Balance. If I could provide the *one true answer* to achieving balance, I probably be a billionaire. I surely don’t have a perfectly balanced life, nor do I have a uniform answer to provide balance answers for all people. So I want to give you permission to be imbalanced as you seek balance!
A couple ideas as we all try to get the whole balance thing figured out.
- LET GO OF GUILT. Mom guilt, employee guilt, partner guilt, pet owner guilt, self-care guilt… WE NEED TO GIVE OURSELVES GRACE. Allow life to be messy – ACCEPTANCE will make it far easier to get balanced.
- Be compassionate to yourself as you navigate transitions. Example, I typically exercise on a daily basis as it’s a pretty crucial stress reliever for me. However, I’ve been navigating two jobs and growing my practice while being 7 months postpartum and dealing with PPA (postpartum anxiety). Exercise hasn’t happened, though it’s important to me. I just keep doing my best and finding ways to move my body when I can. No shame, no guilt, and lots of compassion for a VERY BUSY BIG transitional time in my life.
- Have structured planned time slots that are distraction free. For me, I have to intentionally make distraction free time to write case notes, grade, and give my son undivided attention. Straight up, it requires shutting down my phone. This means I fall behind a lot. Sometimes people get frustrated with me or I lose potential clients. It’s okay and it always works out. I can’t be responsible for other peoples emotions; and I can’t do it all. How would it feel for you to give yourself similar permission? (On this note, I allow myself total distraction and time wasting permission as well. It just can’t be when I need to get shiz done).
What helps you find balance?
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