Just when I was thinking about writing a post on the ever-present topic of finding balance in our lives, I read this quote that Ashley posted:
If you’re interested in ‘balancing’ work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable. {Donald Trump}
Thanks, Donald. I’m taking your advice with my new job at lululemon.
My “work” these days is interchangeable with what brings me pleasure: health, fitness, goals, positivity, honest relationships, communication, and energetic fun.
Then there’s blogging. I started this blog last June to share my thoughts while writing about my life in an honest way. I don’t blog for money. I blog for the connections I’ve made within this community, and the positive reinforcement I receive from friends I’ve known for many years (and my mom). But it is “work” in that it’s time consuming.
It’s also a pleasure. And incredibly rewarding. I met one of my best friends through blogging, and had the chance to hang out with her this weekend!
It seems like everyone is striving for a balance. If not a balance between work and pleasure, then a balance between this thing, that thing, and the other thing.
The thing is, our balance is going to change from day to day, which is why we’re always on a mission for it. We can’t create a perfect balance all the time. It’s not possible because of outside ever-changing circumstances.
It’s like yoga. I can nail a balance posture in class one day, but the very next day, I might lose focus, temporarily interrupting my balance. I might even fall down.
While “balance” in yoga teaches us patience, focus, and flexibility, finding that “balance” in everyday life requires patience, focus, and flexibility, in conjunction with prioritizing and time management.
Are you spending your time doing something you enjoy?
What are 2 things in your life that you seem to always be “balancing”?
With the addition of lululemon into my life, I’m currently looking for the best balance in my blogging schedule. While I have more than ever to blog about, my computer time is greatly limited. This is bittersweet. I love the interaction of blogging and commenting, and I also love everything I do when I’m unplugged.
Oh, where does Billy come into my balance? After all, he’s only my husband and best friend…
Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about him. I have some thoughts to share on time management and marriage later this week.
*The winner of the humbled giveaway is #70, Eva! (I just emailed you.) 
And with that, I’m off to yoga!
I hope you have a balanced, fulfilling Monday.
~Bird
Really great post. It does seem like you hear about balancing all the time. I love that quote by the way. I feel like I’m always trying to balance work and non work time. After 8 hours in an office, you don’t feel like you’ve got much time left in the day for everything that needs to get done let alone the things you want to do.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Running- Errands- Miles- and then Nowhere
I understand! I might not be at an office job, but I’m away from my laptop for up to 7 or 8 hours at a time, then I get home and feel the need to catch up on everything…plus working out, spending time with Billy, LAUNDRY, etc, etc, etc.
I am looking forward to your time management/marriage post! That is something I would love to learn more/read more about.
That Donald Trump quote is awesome! And so true. I’m trying to make work more pleasurable, but I’m still searching for what will work best for me.
Holly @ The Runny Egg recently posted..Pizza Bread
Good! I’ll post it later this week…I need to write it first – ha. But I have a lot of thoughts about the topic.
I LOVE this!! I’d love to meet you and Lindsay someday- PLEASE come to London!!
I can find it quite hard to balance everything sometimes, and when I’m struggling, I just take some time out just to relax, or do some yoga like you said, and not worry about it! Everything balances out in the end
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) recently posted..Do&8217s and Don&8217ts of Racing
I would LOVE that. I absolutely love London and hope to get back to visit sometime soon-ish. And you’re always welcome in Texas.
You’re right – everything does balance out in the end. And I’ve gotten better at letting it all go when it’s time to fall asleep at night.
I love your balance. Honestly, I strive to find that each day too. I get a lot of encouragement from my BEST BUDS like you. Miss you already.
Hugs,
LC
lindsay recently posted..High Dosage of “D”
I feel balanced from you, too! So I guess that means we’re doing something right. Ha. I think it’s the phone call pep talks!
I love this. Everything about it. It’s so very spot-on and something I firmly believe in and am trying so very hard to attain/maintain. right now, I’m feeling like I’m getting a lot better at balancing my “me” time with my “work” time with my “blogging” time and everything else in between. I’m better at disconnecting on weekends and some nights during the week than before. It’s so easy to get lost in it all but once you start to realize what you’re missing out by getting so “lost” you learn to prioritize very quickly. I am looking forward to your post on marriage! And PS. super jealous of your meet-up with Linsday this weekend!!
Jess recently posted..On being able to
Yes – I’ve gotten better at disconnecting, too – partly by choice, partly because I’m away from my computer a great majority of the time now. I wish you’d be here to hang out with Lindsay and me!
Love the donald quote! And also how you relate balance in life to yoga balancing poses-so true how our balance can change daily.
I strive to balance work (love!) With blogging with family…looking forward yo your ideas!
I went to the best yoga class this morning after writing this post that reiterated everything times ten about applying what you learn in yoga to the stresses in everyday life. It’s pretty remarkable!
I am surprised to say, but I love the Trump quite you posted – it’s so true!!! Tell us more about your lululemon job – it sounds so satisfying!!!!
JT (The Faux Foodie Girl) recently posted..Birthday Gifts Are Arriving
I feel the same way – I’m not a fan of Donald Trump, but I still liked the quote! I’ll definitely post more about lululemon. Thanks for being interested.
Hope you are feeling great!!
I can’t wait for your time management and marriage post. I’ve been married for almost two years now and it’s still something we have to consciously work at.
I loved this post. I think balance is key and it’s one of the hardest things to work towards because I’m so one track-minded sometimes. It’s either work or something else for me.
But, luckily I enjoy my work.
Susan (Oliepants) recently posted..Ooh La La
It’s hard, right? I don’t have any secrets, but I do have some thoughts about making marriage a priority while still pursuing personal goals, etc.
I’m glad you enjoy your work!
what a great post! when i’m at work i’m pretty good about working during work times and enjoying my lunch time to read and comment on blogs.
when i’m at home, though, i need to work more on balance my computer time with the rest of my life! it’s too easy to get sucked into the computer for whole nights at a time…
sarah (sarah learns) recently posted..ripped apart
I feel the same way at home! Especially since I’m away from my laptop most of the day so when I get home, I feel like I need to play catch-up. I’m realizing that blogging can wait when I need to focus on other things…
LOVE that quote. I think The Donald is smarter than people realize. I have trouble balancing school and blogging sometimes, but the stress is worth it because I know my education is important and I genuinely love blogging. I’m happy to make it a priority!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine recently posted..Candle and Crumbs
The Donald is hilarious, but he’s clearly made a lot of smart decisions to be where he is. I’m glad blogging is a priority to you because you’re great at it! I am impressed by people who blog 3 times a day. It really does become a big part of your life. I’ve been thinking about cutting back, but it’s comes naturally to me know to plan a post 6 days a week. We’ll see…
I’m so jealous! I love Lindsay! I’d love to meet you both someday (soon!)!
You’re so inspiring and motivating! And it is definitely important to find balance within all areas of your life. I’m learning that just by switching your way of thinking can create enjoyment (in things like a job your not thrilled about… or even maybe exercise). Finding what IS enjoying about your job will help center your thoughts in making them more positive… hopefully.
Great post!
yes! We need to meet.
Thank you for this sweet comment. You are so right – the power of positive thinking has changed my attitude many times in the past! We really do have that choice and it’s empowering.
We are on the same wavelength! I was just thinking how my day ended up being one of the most balanced feeling days in a long time. So nice!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun recently posted..Self-Love Reflection- Perseverance
That means a lot coming from you with the 2 kiddos! I’m so glad you had a balanced day. To me, you are a great example of balancing healthy living with fun and family. And of course, faith. You chose the right blog name for sure.
I’m always trying to balance between downtime & studying… I don’t ever want to study, but I have to otherwise I’ll fail. When I’m not studying I feel guilty. I guess I am also trying to find a balance between being easy on myself & also being disciplined enough to study as much as I need to. Its sometimes difficult to navigate between the two! Ack!
Other balancing acts come much more naturally to me though (eating for health & indulging when I want to; working out & having rest days; spending money & saving money) so that’s always a relief
Billy has explained his days in law school to me, and I know that it’s extremely demanding and consuming. I hope you find some time for yourself everyday..even just for a little while to unwind. Glad you have many other balanced areas in your life. I feel the same with spending money and saving. It comes naturally to me.
I so vividly remember to adjusting to that lulu schedule – a job where a computer is the Last thing on your mind (and out of reach, most of the day)
which is pretty unusual these days!!
I think the art of “balance” comes with the realization that it doesn’t mean equal time for all aspects of life. You have to find your own way to prioritize and fit things in that mean the most to you!
Heather @ Dietitian on the Run recently posted..This Week- Go Screen Free!
I know you know exactly what I’m experiencing! And I can’t complain – it’s amazing. Just an adjustment. When I finally am in front of my laptop, it’s hard to step away because I feel like I have to catch-up. But I need to do what’s best for me…and Billy.
LOVE THIS POST!!! You two are SO SO GORGEOUS and I love the quote from Donald. I am working on balancing my blogging with work too and I am forgetting about my job because I am loving blogging and the connections I am making so much more. You are the best…..have fun at lulu tomorrow:)
janae@hungryrunnergirl.com recently posted..Boston- Omelets and a Balanced Lunch
Thanks, J! One day the 3 of us will hang out.
I think we can all relate in that we love blogging, but it can be very time consuming and start to take priority over other things. I might cut back a couple posts a week so I can free up a little personal time…
what a wonderful post dorry! i came across your blog from lindsay…..love the idea of making your work more enjoyable. i will keep that in mind…..i am all about balance as well no matter how hectic things become.
The fact that you recognize the need to balance things in your life is by far the most important first step.
I am still thrilled about lululemon for you – so amazing.
Ashley – what a gem. Y’all are friggin fabulous.
Nichol recently posted..Earned- Not Given
Ahh! Balance? Kids, queen of the house, wife, friendships, exercise, starting a business… I love it all (except the house keeping part) and I barely squeeze in enough time for each. It’s a real challenge.
Emily recently posted..Family Photo Shoot
“and I also love everything I do when I’m unplugged.” Yes, friend! I love and cherish my blogging connections, but to release the mental “need” I had to blog everyday has been completely freeing and nice for my sanity.
I’ll pick up daily posting again when I have more time. <3
Christin@purplebirdblog recently posted..A Winner and Some Dinner
Trying to find balance means trying, which means imbalance.
That’s one thing yoga teaches us…like in dancer’s pose. You got to weeble and wobble and be okay with it and voila! You nail it. If you try and fight it you fall down.
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