Balance is a Unicorn

Dear My Toy Garden friends!

Grab a piece of paper and pencil. Draw a circle on it and make a dot in the center. Now divide the circle up into 8 pieces. Label them work, marriage, family, exercise, nutrition, relaxation, spirituality, friends. Now with the dot in the center being one and the outer circle being 10, make a dot to show how much time you spend on each of the above categories. If you spend alot of time on it, mark it 10. Zero time, mark it 1. Connect the dots. How balanced is your circle? Now rip up the paper.

Chances are at one point in your life, you've attended a workshop and been asked to do an exercise like the one above. I believe that balance is a unicorn. It doesn't exist. You can chase it through the forest, catching glimpses of it once in awhile, but you will never catch it. Balance is a game of Whack a Mole. One area is lifted up and another area is smashed down in contrast. It is impossible to spend an equal amount of time on all the things that are important to us. So what's an overworked parent to do?

Begin each day with a grateful heart. Focus on all the good things you have in your life and the possibilities the day holds. I shared with the My Toy Garden staff recently that I have begun each day for the last several years sitting on the edge of my bed and saying, "Thank you for this day and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I meet." When your head and heart start with positive energy, the rest of your day is bound to follow along. When there are bumps, you can ride them easier as well. Do your best knowing that you are not perfect. You are human. If you can take but one step forward each day, celebrate that!

End each day with a grateful heart. Praise yourself for what good you did do. What task you did complete. What life you did touch. Let the rest go. You've done your best. Love yourself. Love others. Each day brings new possibilities!

Playfully,
Toylady Janet