Everything is in its proper place when we use the word balance. It conjures images of fairness, equilibrium, and stability. The more I think about life balance and how we can apply it to various aspects of our lives, the more I realise that we must first be clear about our values before attempting to strike a balance.
Taking a look back at my life, I see that there was no sense of balance and that I neglected my values. After a demanding and stressful job, two young children, and a family life that according to the culture doesn't allow much freedom for the woman, I lived a life of SHOULD DOs. Women in my culture are perfect if they remember and care about everyone else in their families and extended families, except for themselves. Depending on how long they've been doing it, some women may be able to maintain their lifestyle for a period of time before realising they haven't had much fun in their younger years and becoming depressed because of it. A woman who only cares about her happiness and satisfaction is a self-centered individual who will find little acceptance or appreciation from the people around her. People don't realise that the happiness of the woman is essential for the happiness of the rest of the family as well. Nobody understands that a miserable, angry, resentful, and frustrated woman is never a pleasant person to live with.
My message goes out to all the women in my community, but I'm focusing on those in their 30s and 40s. Who spent much of their life thinking only about what others need and want; who secretly stole time from others as if it weren't their right. These people were selfish. When they ask what I tell them, I say: "Don't put others before yourself, and prioritise your own needs over those of others. Make a list of the things that are most important to you and live by them. Strike a BALANCE between your needs and the needs of others, and enlist the help of those around you to maintain it." Just ASK and you will be amazed at how everyone will support you because they all love and need you. Don't think or say nobody will do without even asking. Main problem: you never asked. You assume others know what you want and need, but that's not true because other people are not you. You are the one who knows what you need. Only you will know until you tell them. Teach them how to treat you, respect your needs, and support you in a loving manner that they will remember. Don't be vague about your expectations of them.
So, get started right away and consider how you can achieve SATISFACTION, HAPPINESS, AND FULFILLMENT in your life by achieving BALANCE. Encouragement can come from family and friends. Don't say it's too late; no, it's never too late. Just be clear about what's important to you and make it a top priority, whether daily or weekly, and you'll find a lot of energy, satisfaction, and fulfilment from doing so.
Consider the best ways to make yourself happy, and you'll find that nothing will be the same again in your life.
