That "Work/Life Balance"

Posted on May 26, 2015

I don't know about you, but I struggle. I struggle hard with maintaining balance in my life. If it's not one thing taking up all my time and attention it's another.

In my late teens and early twenties it was earning that degree as fast as I could, moving on to the Master's degree and outshining all my counterparts for the best job offers afterwards....

And then it was how to balance my drive and passion for my career with living a life, finding a partner in life, and having kids. Somehow I managed to do that. I'm not going to lie, it hasn't been easy. My sons second year of life I was jetting off to the Canadian Arctic for two weeks out of the month....that was hard, but I had convinved myself that it was what I had to do....I really didn't.

And now, admittedly, 10 weeks after having a second son, my obsession is now the gym...Healthy eating and in general getting in shape...

Now I throw this out there, does anyone else have this problem?? Logging every bit of food, constantly looking at your phone to see your fitbit stats, thinking about working out when you should be sleeping so you can get up at 5 am and get two hours in the gym before your spouse leaves for work?? Planning the day around when the baby takes a nap so you can pop him in his stroller and go for a 5 k walk ?

How do you maintain balance in your life?

Comment Now!

Washingtonienne

05/26/2015 5:52PM

Oh I know this all too well! I'm a true type A, high achiever. This is my life. Lately, however, I've really made an effort to carve out more me time. Me time is working out or reading - or just relaxing or seeing friends. I need to unplug more and work less, but I love my work and it's my passion.

Laura C. likes this comment.

GlampingGal

05/26/2015 1:52PM

Oh my, I've been there. While I don't have any kids, I did juggle multiple jobs when I was working my way to a higher-paying full time job. All I did was work, work, work! Eventually I achieved a level of professional success (and salary, let's be honest) that meant I could quit the other jobs and just focus on doing the one job properly. By having achieved a more balanced approach to my job, I bring a happier me to the office and have cultivated a great reputation in the office. While I no longer feel that crazy drive to move up the ladder, I take great satisfaction that I would be recommended for a promotion if an appropriate opportunity arose. I know that this drive applies itself to efforts to lose weight. Many of us are motivated by the numbers (steps taken, lbs lost, dollars won, various percentile figures, etc.). You are not alone in getting right in there. What I can tell you is that it is okay to enjoy tracking everything, but keep your expectations realistic. Don't let yourself be defined by your weigh-in in the morning or steps taken in one day. Enjoy the journey as one of self-discovery. "Perfection" cannot be your goal because the motivation comes and goes, and the minute one thing slips, you don't want to feel like it's no longer worth pursuing. Focus on making great decisions and have a good time.

Laura C. likes this comment.

Rosie

05/26/2015 12:23PM

We, as women, make it more difficult than it should be. You're young, I take it, and will eventually stop and question yourself. Is that what it takes to live? Do I really need to do this to have a happy life? I think the most important thing in our lives is health...Without health, you can not live, love, and give your undivided attention to your loved ones. Take it one day at a time....and enjoy it every minute you can:)

Laura C. likes this comment.

Jogger Girl

05/26/2015 11:24AM

oh this is tough! I am actually speaking to a group about this tomorrow.I am a life coach and there are actually EIGHT areas of life to balance and it is a challenge. I don't believe humans were ever meant to live these crazy lives we have nowadays. I never wanted to be a mom but I do share your drive/ambition. The best I can tell you is to pick which areas really NEED your focus and which can be put on auto pilot so to speak. Life constantly changes so the priorities now may / will shift down the road. Don't feel hopeless about it. There is a lot of joy along the road of life. Stop and smell the roses each day so you don't miss it :)

Cozzer likes this comment.