For years I have been struggling to find balance with my family, in my work, play, gardening, alone-time, theater (also being a board member to the theater group that I'm a part of). To start, I had to give up a part in a summer play, because the balance in my family life was way off kilter. That, in itself, was a wise decision. The growth my family and I have made has been a blessing, though the journey has not been an easy one. But the pressures we've endured have certainly made us a stronger, tightly-knit family. Here are the lessons I have learned to date:
- Fake it til you make it, and act as if
- I do not control my destiny...I only play my part
- I do the next right thing without being attached to the outcome
- I always left my doors unlocked to show to myself that I trusted the universe to keep me safe. Now I am safe, so I will lock my doors.
- My higher power (inner guide, subconscious mind, raw intellect, God, whatever you may call it, I just choose to call it my higher power) had to wear me out so that I could see what was right in front of me.
- I need Mrs. Biddlebox. Great children's book. Check it out.
- I finally have stopped caring what people think of me (for the most part anyway).
- I have allowed change (death of certain ways of life) in my life and the fear does not control me as it did before.
- I've learned how to stop seeking permission to be happy.
- And PLAY! My kids and I have been having so much fun. My husband just smiles and occasionally shakes his head. Jeff, my love, my life, my partner...that's what I've finally rediscovered.
Namaste.