A Balanced Life, LLC

A Road Map for Your Life

2012-01-05T21:35:05-05:00

Like any other trip, we need a road map as we navigate through the journey of our life. Before the time of GPS or phone apps, I would often contact AAA and have them send me a TripTik before a road trip. They would ask me what was my ultimate destination. In addition, they would also ask me if there were any cities or points of interests that I wanted to see while on my trip. AAA did a great job of plotting out my road trip. They would send me maps of the states I would be traveling through and my designated route would be highlighted. All I had to do was get in the car and follow their directions.

We recently entered into a new year. Now is the time to stop and map out where we want to go and what we want to accomplish this year. Now is also the time to stop and plan how we are going to get our desired results. Having a resolution or an idea of what we want to accomplish is not good enough. We owe it to ourselves to stop and really plan how we are going to accomplish out goals and our dreams. This is what living intentionally is all about.

It doesn't matter if the the goals we are setting for this year are large or small. In order to reach them we have to plan. We can do this by asking ourselves these questions:

What are my goals?
Why do I want to accomplish this goal(s)
What do I need to accomplish my goal(s)?
What behaviors do I need to stop to accomplish my goal(s)?
What behaviors f I need to start to accomplish my goal(s)?
What can I do today and each day to get me closer to my goal(s)?
Are there any relationships that are preventing me from accomplishing my goal(s)?
Are there any relationships that I need to develop or cultivate that would assist me in getting closer to my goal(s)?
How much time and energy am I willing to put toward achieving my goal(s)?
How bad to I want it?

Planning and developing intentional action steps will assist us in succesfully achieving our goals and dreams. It is also necessary for us to be mindful that we may encounter a few detours along our journey. That is to be expected. We just have to keep our ultimate destination in mind. I am confident that we all will reach our destination in 2012!

The Essence of New Day

2011-11-01T09:00:00-04:00

Recently, I read Commanding Your Morning, by Dr. Cindy Trimm . Wow, the book was really powerful! It opened my eyes to the fact that I have power to command my morning each day. My attitude and approach to each day can determine the what I get in return. At the end of book was a poem that really resonated with me. It had such an impact that I wanted to share it with you.

The Essence of a New Day

This is the beginning of a new day

You will be given this day to use as you will

You can waste it or use it for good.

What you do today is important.

Because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.

When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever.

In its place is something that you have left behind.......

Let it be someting good.

- Author Unknown

Excited About Tomorrow

2011-10-18T20:35:06-04:00

I believe there is a big difference between living and existing. When I have experienced different valley's in my life I was not necessarily excited about the possibilities of each new day. My outlook of each day changed once I began to live my life instead of just existing. Once I started to live my life, I began to be excited about each brand new day I was blessed to see.

I was even able to deal with my challenges differently because I changed my outlook. Now as I am getting ready for the next day I start to get excited about the possibilities of tomorrow. When I wake up in the morning part of my prayer is that I thank God for a new day that I have never seen before. Then I think, WOW what an honor. God granted me the opportunity to experience brand day!

When we give our children or loved ones give we want them to show some sort of appreciation. As a parent, I think I would be disappointed if my daughter just disregared a gift that I gave her. I would wonder what is going on if she did not say thank you. And I might even get mad if I saw the gift just tossed in the corner. I belive God feels the same when he grants us blessing, like being able to see a new day.

Since each day is a gift I want to live so that I show God that I appreciate the gift that He has given me. I want to take care of my gift and nurture my precious gift. I want to handle the disappointments, challenges and triumphs in a way that brings honor to His name. I want to make Him proud. So, that is why I am excited about tomorrow!

Balance is about Flexibility

2011-10-13T18:43:01-04:00

Living a life that is balanced and fulfilled requires that we are flexible. So many of us are trying to juggle our many responsibilities by sticking to a strict schedule. I must admit that I have been victim to to that many times. However, sometimes in life we have to abandon of schedules and to-do list for the unexpected.

For instance, there may have been times when we may run into an old friend or relative. We should not beat ourselves us for taking 40 minutes of our scheduled time to catch up with her in the parking lot of the mall. Instead, we should focus on deposit we just made into our friendship. You never know, something in that conversation could make the difference in your friends life. And vice-versa.

So, let yourself off of the hook. Being flexible and living in the moment allows us to make changes in our schedule as necessary. Remember that the items on your to-do list can still be done. It might take a little extra effort to do a little rearranging. However, life is too short. The relationships we have with our family and friends are crucial to us living a life that is balanced and fulfilled.

Eliminating Stressors

2011-10-09T18:00:50-04:00

Overview
With the demands of the job, children, partner, family, extended family, friends, the economy and finances, it’s no wonder that our lives become stressed and unbalanced. It seems that one or more of these are always demanding our undivided attention and we end up with no time for ourselves or any other of the important people in our lives.

The Solution
Obviously, the solution is to get our lives back into balance and eliminate stressors. Accomplishing this may be easier than it first seems.

Professionals use a tool called the “Wheel of Life” to help determine areas that are out of balance. This tool is a circle divided into eight areas, each of which represents a sector of life with a 1-10 scale that indicates how content you are with that sector and which areas need work.

Achieving Balance
Achieving balance in your life requires perhaps more discipline than anything else since it is too easy to rationalize that things need to be a certain way and not make changes. For instance:

•Rather than be available to everyone every minute of the day, set aside time for meditation and devotions to heal and energize your spirituality and your inner self. Reflect on where you are and where you want to be.

•Many of us feed a constant need to be in control. However, there is a philosophy that says, “I’ll be where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there.” Letting go of the need to micromanage and control every aspect of life will go a long way in relieving one of life’s major stressors.

•Realize that less is more. This can apply to many areas, including material possessions. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements to buy and/or upgrade things; most of us have considerably more than we need. Get rid of some of the stuff; it will be less to clean, less to insure, less to replace and less to clutter.

•Turn off the constant stream of noise that constantly bombards you. Our brains function on electromagnetic energy, and the continual barrage of electromagnetic waves from the television, the radio, the iPod, the cell phone and the traffic gives our brains no rest. Accustom yourself to silence and see where your brain takes you; you may find a person you didn’t know existed.

•Streamline your diet. Most of the food we eat has been so saturated with flavor enhancers and preservatives that it tastes nothing like what it should. Eliminate fast food and for many, soy products, and you will find that your body will begin to feel less sluggish and your mind will become clearer; you will also save money.

Summary
Realize that keeping your life in balance is a constant activity. People change, needs change, life changes; all these things will affect how you keep your life in balance.

This article was contributed by Jennifer Bell from Health Training Guide. Jennifer is a freelance writer and mother of 2 based in Los Angeles, CA. Check out her site to learn more about medical records and health information technician training and other exciting health careers.