This post was going to outline 7 tips for staying on track while allowing yourself to indulge once in a while…but I hit writers block. Earlier tonight, while soliciting ideas on what to write about, my husband suggested writing about balancing a schedule…I was going for balancing a diet.
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| Thank you CDYC for sending Ian a beautiful cookie arrangement including this Cannoli! |
But he knows I write for real people, and he knows my educated audience knows that if you plan sensible, low cal meals for the day, you can have a freaking cannoli once in a while. So what about balancing a schedule?
I work full time (and then some) for a non-profit where I’m responsible for raising over 1/2 million dollars each year. I teach fitness classes 3 times per week. I coach 7 (and counting) clients each week to help them achieve their wellness goals. Outside of work (and most importantly) I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. I am a hairdressers client, a pet owner (2 dogs, a cat and a bearded dragon), I manage our family’s finances and I make our son’s doctors and dentists appointments. SOUND FAMILIAR???? I could go on…and on…and on….
I’m sure most of you reading this could add so much more as well…you’re the cook of the house (I do weekend meals), you do the laundry (all you have to do is turn your husband’s white shirt pink one time and you’r off the hook), you clean (ok, that’s 50/50 in our home), run errands, food shop, etc, etc, etc…so when do you get time for you? How do you balance out your needs and wants?
You make it. You demand it. You deserve it. My hubby knows that I am a much better (and more tolerable) person all around when I have balance. I made that clear very early on, but for those that need to set things straight, I don’t think it’s too late, here are 7 ways to balance your needs against what’s needed from you:
- Demand it – I’m not saying to be an all out biotch…but you have to be strong when it comes to letting your friends, family and loved ones know that you need space and time to be you! Whatever “you” is…
- Be Genuine – when its time to take care of yourself, the people around you want you to be happy. Express your needs and desires and you may be surprised at their support.
- Just do it – Sometimes you have to rip the band-aid…make that spa appointment with your girlfriends and then figure out who’s going to take care of the kids!
- Stop feeling guilty – Seriously, I know…we don’t want to miss the first, last, only milestone of our children’s lives…but this is your life too…it’s OK to enjoy it.
- Say NO – Hardest thing ever! Start by turning your “maybe” into a “no”….
- Don’t smile all the time – This goes back to #2, if you’re not happy, it’s ok not to pretend to be. Talk about it, do something about it.
- Be sure you’re doing 1 thing that makes you very happy – For me this was starting my wellness business last year. As hard as it is and as much work as it takes, I know that what I am doing is and will make a difference in peoples lives. I also know that it will make a difference in my family’s lives.
I am grateful to have the support, love and patience from a partner that is by my side through all of my in-decisions, bad decisions and insecurities. Find, DEMAND your balance.
Cheers!
Meredith
