Today I was struck with the thought of finding a balance. How delicate it can be, and how difficult it is to achieve. I tend to get frustrated with myself when things fall out of balance, and lately this has been a common occurrence. The reason I gave it a lot of thought is because I have been feeling extremely blocked. I tend to put a lot on my plate at once, and when I don’t have time to devote to the things I really enjoy, my balance goes out of whack. As you all know I have been working two jobs, trying to balance that- a personal life and my sanity. I wonder sometimes, is a balance even possible? And if so, how do we find the balance…what is the secret? After thinking long and hard about this, I have come to the conclusion that there is no easy answer. There is no specific thing to do or not do, it all depends on the person and their physical/mental/emotional needs. Figuring out what works for you, is also quite the process- tricky I know.
What I have come up with for myself, is something simple. I realize that I need time for myself to relax, and reflect on things that are going on. I am someone who thrives on this. I enjoy doing things that make me happy, even if it’s something simple like making jewelry or drinking my morning coffee. These little things help me find my balance. That is what I have come up with as the answer. Life will always be hectic, and things will always get in the way, plans will always be made in advance and you will sometimes feel like your life is one big schedule...and maybe that’s not a terrible thing. Figuring out what you need to make yourself happy is all that matters. Now I know that a little time dedicated to my favorite things is important. This includes spending time with my boyfriend,thrifting, having a good breakfast, painting my nails & toes, cleaning, and watching movies. These are just some things that give me a boost, I am sure you can come up with a lot that fit you personally.
I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to read my blog. It makes me extremely happy that I can still make such great connections through my love of blogging. I also want you to know that I miss writing so much. I am hoping that I get through this small bump in the road and I can continue to do the things I love so much; blogging and updating my shop being two of these things. What this all boils down to, is that I have discovered there is no perfect balance, the only balance you can create is one that works for you- and that is as perfect as it can be.
danielle and dinosaur toes says
April 22, 2011 at 2:53 ammars, i love that you open up to us.i think that finding a balance in life is no easy feat, and if you do find it, it's only after lots of testing and trials to see what works for you. you already know what direction you want to head, and what you love doing, and that's huge! i know you wish things were different right now on the job front, but trust me, this is only temporary. you know it's not where you want to be and what makes you happiest, and you're a strong enough person to find what you like, grab a hold of it (and make it your bitch), and take advantage of it! you're amazing, and amazing things are going to happen for you!love you, bestie!
beca says
April 22, 2011 at 3:28 amIt is really important to find a balance. In work, relationships, life, friends, everything. Which just makes it even harder, the more you have going on. It seems like a lot of bloggers are going through a weird flux right now, of trying to live their life, and still find the time to connect to the blogging world, and the friends they have made through it.I say the more you focus on yourself, the better you will feel, and writing will come more naturally. You're so wonderful, and I know you'll get through anything and everything!!xox
Luchie says
April 22, 2011 at 3:51 amso inspiring post. I know what you feel, I ever felt like that too 🙂
Bill says
April 22, 2011 at 4:05 amlove it. thanks for posting.
Liz says
April 22, 2011 at 4:27 amGood post. I have a LOT of trouble with balance. Life is a juggling act, it seems, and sometimes I don't feel like dealing with everything. Such is life, I suppose. Anyway, I liked reading this.. and you picked good pictures, too.
amyschmamey says
April 22, 2011 at 5:26 amGreat post. I am the type that can easily take on too much and just get overwhelmed by everything. When I get overwhelmed my first response is to just let life happen without me. It's really weird. I like the idea of taking time to enjoy the things you like to do. I have started to do that more. Anyway. Great post. Wonderful photos.
Candice says
April 22, 2011 at 6:45 amI love doing what I get to do for a living because I love being around people and interacting and finding out the circumstances of those around me. That being said, I definitely value the time that I get to just spend by myself – everybody asks if I hate commuting to work, and I don't mind it one bit, because for however long during the day (45 minutes to work, 2.5 hours home) I'm in the car, by myself, and able to just do whatever I want. It's pretty awesome.
b. says
April 22, 2011 at 10:52 amwhat a thoughtful post. i have spent a lot of time recently working out how to find balance in my life and live the most content life i can. in some respects i have sacrificed for example, i dont have the most glam job in the world, it is interesting but a lot of the draw is that it has good hours, but it means that i have more time for things that i really love, like simply hanging out with people i love! it takes effort to sustain balance and not focus too much on just one thing, but the work is totally worth it!x.
Gale says
April 22, 2011 at 12:09 pmGosh you don't even know how much I needed to read this right now. Really great post and very well written. You're right, it's so so important to find the perfect balance for yourself in life and as you said, it will be unique to that person alone. I need to remember that there isn't a wrong or right in this. It'll just take some testing and trials as Danielle said. Thanks for sharing<3 Awesome photos too!
Lorine Kalista Noor says
April 22, 2011 at 12:32 pmi accidently found your blog and read this amazing and inspiring post.u know sometimes i felt like you too. like i lost the way of mylife and it's hard to found the balance. but after read your post, i know that it depend on our physical/mental/emotional needs.feeling blocked… agree with you.and now i'm following you cause of your inspired blog.wanna follow me back? i would appreciate it much (:xo, Lorine
SuperSideris says
April 22, 2011 at 2:06 pmMarzipan,Balance sometimes seems like it's lost when something new is thrust into our lives. Give it some time and a new balance will emerge. I felt the same way and it just took a bit of time for life to readjust. Xo
allison says
April 22, 2011 at 3:53 pmhi, i am a new follower!and this is a post that hits home for me.my mantra for some time has been its all about balance. and sometimes its so hard to maintain balance when our lives and surroundings are constantly changing. thank you for sharing, as many of the other comments…you are not alone in the struggle!allison
CaL says
April 22, 2011 at 5:50 pmMars, I love you. I think finding balance is personal. Everyone is different & I think that with time you WILL find yours. You are a great, kind, loving person & I know you want to make others happy. Your cousin, Alex…whoever. But remember to ALWAYS put yourself first. & I don't mean this in a selfish way. But if something is happening & it is NOT making you happy, you don't have to partake. =) Love yourself & everyone else will too. They will thrive off of your happiness. I know it's hard. & I know you probably need to be alone a lot more for thinking time, or just to BE. But I know that you have an amazing heart that deserves peace & balance. I love you liddo lady.
Blowfish Elise says
April 22, 2011 at 7:11 pmOMG. The timing of this post is perfect. Finding balance is something that I've been thinking about for almost a year now. I've realized that I'm really bad about keeping a balance – when I'm in work mode, I just gogogogogogogogogoggogogo until everything is done, but I'm miserable by the end! I need to stop and give myself some breathing room even just for 20 minutes, then I can put my nose back to the grindstone.I also LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures that you used for this post! I have been toying around with the idea of getting a tattoo based around the idea of balance. This Sunday I just decided it was time, so I did it! And I ended up getting a line drawing of me trying to balance on a tightrope!! COINCIDENCE OR WHAT?!Anywho, I'll twitpic you and show ya!Good luck finding your own balance. Enjoy the journey, even if it's topsy turvy and wobbly to get there. <3
kelly ann says
April 23, 2011 at 12:18 amI loved every word of this, dear. You are such a precious soul! <3
Hello Again Vintage says
April 23, 2011 at 11:54 pmI love this post. I totally agree that we all must find our balance that best fits our personality. When I took that two months off from blogging and other things, I was able to completely figure out what I really wanted in my life. And it really helped me find MY balance.Anyhow, I hope you have a fun Easter with your bf and family!♥Grace
wilybrunette says
April 24, 2011 at 12:38 ammmm. so lovely. i find the balance changes every day. that i have to be open to constantly adjusting. but you hit the nail on the head with things like good breakfasts, painting ones nails and the like. so glad that blogging and your shop are things that make the cut because it sure is a lovely little corner of the internet that you have here.
Sarah says
April 25, 2011 at 3:20 amThis is a great post. As you know I've struggling to find balance lately, too, and I can't wait to get to a point where I have a choice about how to spend at least some of my time. The things that I like to do to feel balanced are much like the ones that you talked about…add to that going on long bike rides and walks in the forest and you've described my ideal life, too. Happy Easter! Have a good week!
Steffys Pros and Cons says
April 25, 2011 at 5:29 pmi ask myself these questions every day. i think blogging throws off everyones balance because it is a full-time job that you arent going to work for. so it steals away that "you time" you should wake up earlier or go to bed later… thats who i do :)<3 steffySteffys Pros and Cons
Heather says
April 26, 2011 at 1:23 amLife is one hell of a balancing act…and sometimes, you do indeed need to just stop to breath and collect yourself, adjusting the little heres and theres to get you back in whack. Best to you in finding your balance. The images you chose for this post are really lovely- the perfect visuals to balance your words 😉
Nina says
April 27, 2011 at 1:53 pmabsolutely adored the first photo!!