Balance

I realized this week my perception and belief of the word “balance” has been all wrong. If you said “balance” to me, I would envision a healthy, lean figure, clean home, great car, organized lifestyle and happy kids. I am not sure how I came to this vision/definition – maybe it was my environment, culture or geography – who knows, but this week it hit me. Balance is not the outward expression of an organized life.

Webster defines balance as “the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall”. Oh wow – this definition made me realize how uneven and at times how unpeaceful my internal life and dialogue has been. This past week however, I have experienced a joy and peace which allowed me realize balance has nothing to do with the cleanliness of my home, my car, or the extra “love” on my body (love = lbs in this sentence – HA!). It was truly a peace that filled me with joy. It transfigured the belief in my head and confirmed balance has little to do with the external but everything to do with the internal; and specifically the thoughts we allow to take up space in our mind.

In my case, I believe this joy came from God in the form of creativity. Building a website and (very) small business has created such joy in my heart. It has allowed me to believe that if I think it, I can really do it and not get stumped by mental obstacles telling me I can’t. This creative project allowed me to go beyond myself in a way that pushed me outside my comfort zone and normal routine. I hope this inspires you to try something new out of your usual comfort zone this week. Something scary, creative or off-beat. May it spark excitement, bring you peace and mental balance as you remind yourself that you are worth it and can do it!

Resources/Inspiration:

Verse:

Romans 12:2a (ERV) – “Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world. but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking.”

Proverbs 23:7 (AMPC) – “As someone thinks within himself, so he is.”

I Samuel 16:7b (ERV) – “People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Book:

Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekah Lyons. I’m starting this book on January 20th if you’d like to read it with me!

Video:

Rachel Hollis – The BEST Way To Start the New Year. Inspiration for the new year. Let’s fail forward together!

Item of the Week:

Send a beautiful card to a special friend or loved one on her birthday this year! We all love for our special day to be remembered by others and to know our friends are rooting us on in this journey! This sweet birthday card is gold foiled on heavy card stock and blank inside.

(Free shipping to the San Diego area).