Balance ’26

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”  Robert Fulghum

This week’s conversation is about balance and whilst there are many meanings of the word, the abovementioned quote sums my meaning very well.

For me, living life in balance is a way on ensuring enjoyment and having the time to do all the things that keep you well. A great self-care plan ensures that your battery is at its optimal level and making the time for all the aspects of self-care; physical, spiritual, psychological, professional, social and financial. 

I am fortunate to have the resources available to ensure that my self-care plan works for me.  If money was tight, I need to be able to replicate these activities at home OR be able to do a version that is within my means.  I have set up space at home to ensure that I can continue to mosaic, even if the studio is not available for me.  I have purchased tools over time to allow me to do this in my own environment.  I plan to use this space over the Christmas break to ensure that my self-care remains at the best level and I can also use my spare time creatively.

If I did not have the available resources, I would need to redo my plan and look at options available locally which are fully subsidised and/or minimum outlay.  I know locally that there are craft groups at our library in which residents can meet up weekly and work on their current projects.  If this did not suit me, there is also a range of book clubs held at various times during the week – would one of this work for me?  The same with exercise, if I cannot afford the membership and/or session fee – can I do this at home or outside with a friend and the trusty you-tube tutorials?  Trying to minimise the financial cost can assist greatly, especially whilst all other bills are going up.

Self-care does not need to be expensive; it does however, needs to fit in with your schedule and available resources.