“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other.”- Steven R. Covey
Many times we look at people who seem to be achieving so much and we ask ourselves, how are they able to achieve that much i.e. be the best at work, best at home, best in church, taking care of their health among others. What I have come to realize and appreciate is what might appear like a very perfect life, under it might be that they have their own struggles that are not directly visible from the outside. Today I was listening to a Tiktok by Shonda Rhime and one of the key things that struck me was the honesty she spoke about balancing parenting and work. Being a mother really resonated as there are times you feel you are not giving the best to your kids and when you are spending time with them, then your work is suffering worse still if you are running a startup business.
So then is there a way in which one can have a relatively well-balanced life and below are my quick thoughts on what one can do.
- Understand yourself: At times the thought of fitting in pushes us to things that might not really matter so much. I read an article in the newspaper where a lady was clear that she did not want kids. The parents were pushing but the beauty is she stood her ground. It is good to know what you are and what you are not and pursue what you like;
- Have your priorities right: It is good to know what matters most to you and ensure that you are creating time for it. There will always be more than one thing pressing for your time but stop and prioritize. Do what is important rather than what is urgent and not important;
- Understand the seasons: As human beings we go through various phases of life, before we have kids, we have all the time to ourselves and work, when we get kids, it is good to enjoy that journey as they are small for a short period and they are gone or get to teenage hood and they don’t care for your company. Ensure you are using the best of every season and are enjoying every bit of it;
- Create a support system: We have different unique circumstances based on prior choices or just that we found ourselves in them. Look at what is around you and make the best out of each. If you cannot get the support system easily look for what you can pay for. This can include small things like paying for your gardener to things like looking for a counselor or mentor. Always good to have people you can turn to for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
- Rest if you must but never quit the journey to seeking a more balanced and fulfilled life. “We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves.”- Francis J. Braceland
