Balanced life
“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.” William Arthur Ward
This week’s discussion is about balance and for me, this means a balanced life in which I try to align with my values, my work, my family and leisure. This assists me in being the best possible version of myself and helps me maintain the relationships of those who are important to me.
Whilst a balanced lifestyle does not stop bad experiences from occurring, it does help us bounce back much quicker.
For me, October is one of the most important months of the year. Despite two of my adult children being born in October, it is also awareness month for two important topics for me – Mental Health and Breast Cancer awareness. Both have impacted on me and those in my family. As I write this, we are also two days into Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day is celebrated on the 10th of October each year.
I have come to realise that I have always known that life impacts on our mental health and wellbeing, chronic illness can lead to depression. My father was not able to work because of his illness and this impacted in every aspect of his life; physically, mentally and socially. It also impacted on mine, whilst watching his self-confidence shrink with his inability to contribute in the way that he wanted to and be the financial provider he thought he should be.
I have been lucky to have a sense of humour, and this often comes out when life has thrown me a curve ball. This presented when Dad passed away and a conversation prior to and at the funeral led to laughter amongst me and the neighbours. Life can be both sad and funny!
The same with my diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Yes, it was difficult, however – there are also funny times along the way. Whilst I allowed myself to grieve for the different stages, I decided that I also needed to be present and allow the humour to be there as well.
Learning how to adjust to the changes, attempting to colour coordinate (and wear) matching hats and scarves to hide both my baldness and lack of breast. Learning new language and adjusting to the new titles that come with those who have experienced breast cancer, a mastectomy (or even both). For me, when I noticed a new phrase in an article it really tickled me – did you know for those of us with a mastectomy are known as a uniboober or flat pack? A fellow survivor terms herself unbreasted.
A sense of humour can help balance your life – regardless of what you are experiencing at the time.
Happy October to you all.