What is a balanced life, and is it realistic?

Balance.

That was my goal. I started so optimistically, spending a substantial amount of time and effort to plan well. As if that was all I needed.

I was wrong.

I couldn’t maintain balance this year in too many areas. Unexpected curves were thrown in, and I realize…they always will be.

Who says balance is attainable?

I will still keep trying to maintain priorities in order of importance. THAT should keep me busy.

But balance? I am giving up. That sounds like a nice, tidy dream. But it is not my life.

The quest for attaining this elusive word steals life from my soul. It is much better to know what matters, and the surprising thing I learned this year?

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. – Thomas Kinkade

Why is a balanced life important?

It is okay to ditch what doesn’t matter. Say goodbye to the stuff that I pick up in order to fill a gap (as in commitments that are long term).

I don’t know that my personality type can handle homeschooling, relationships, managing a home, unpredictable chronic health issues, and curveballs in a balanced way.

The exciting surprise of this year was tons of emotional hard work. And the true, deep joy of knowing what DOES matter.

Embracing the imperfect life and doing the things we are called to do, gifted at. Not everything.

Life is about growth and exploration, not achieving a fixed state of balance. You have a very limited time on earth to experience all that you can. Figuring out how to squeeze the most out of your family, work, and spirituality is your life’s purpose. Go do it- Mel Robbins