Here I am. 10 months since the last time I wrote. Two years since I started this blog.
Hoping the 3rd time is indeed A charm.
“The only thing guaranteed on this journey is change.” - Unknown
For most of my life, that I can remember, I have been in desperate desire of balance.
From being my mother’s caregiver beginning at the age of 11 to being diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder in my late teens/early twenties, it seems all I’ve known are extremes. And chile, let me tell you. I’m tired. Like, “just got off from a double and overtime on my first off day in a week,” tired. Tired of constantly flailing from one end of the spectrum to the other. I just want to be well. And I believe to be well is to live in balance.
In our fast-paced society, the pursuit of balance often feels like a pipe dream. Yesterday, as we celebrated World Mental Health Day, I found myself reflecting on the importance of equilibrium in our daily lives.
Living in balance isn't just a phase; it's a fundamental principle of wholistic wellbeing. Let's explore the art of maintaining a delicate harmony between mind, body, and spirit:
Understand Your Balance
Balance doesn't mean splitting your time equally between work, family, and self-care. It's about aligning your life with your values, priorities, and passions.
It's recognizing that an imbalance in one area can have a ripple effect on your overall well-being.
Recognize Imbalance(s)
One of the first steps towards living in balance is recognizing when a dimension (or more) of wellbeing is misaligned. Signs of imbalance can manifest in various ways, including stress, burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and strained relationships.
Pay attention to these signals as they can be your early warning system.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is self preservation; it's essential. Take a moment today to evaluate your self-care routine/schedule. Are you setting aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul on a regular, consistent basis?
Whether it's meditation, exercise, or simply reading a good book, self-care is non-negotiable.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries are the guardrails of your life. They protect your time, energy, and well-being. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is necessary in your personal and professional life.
Learn to say "no" and be unapologetic about it.
Mindful Living
Living in balance is intrinsically linked to mindful living. Mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment without judgment towards yourself and others. A daily mindfulness regimen helps you appreciate life's simple pleasures, reduce stress, and increase overall joy.
Start with small steps like this mindful breathing exercise or expressing gratitude at the close of your day, and gradually expand your practice.
Seek Support
Don't be afraid to seek support when needed. Working with a therapist can be beneficial in getting to the root causes of imbalance and developing strategies for achieving a harmonious life. Not yet ready for therapy? Talking to a peer support specialist is a great way to get started and receive support on your recovery journey.
No matter what path you choose, you are not alone.
Embrace Imperfection
Understand that living in balance doesn't mean having it all together all the time. It's okay to have moments when things feel off-kilter. Embrace imperfection, learn from your experiences, and continue your journey towards balance. Perfection is a myth.
As I end my day, and you begin yours, let's make a commitment to ourselves. Let's commit to live in balance, prioritize self-care, and nurture our mental health. Remember, achieving balance is a dynamic process that evolves with time and self-discovery.
By being intentional and making informed choices, we can cultivate a life that is more easefull.
Recommendations:
Check out the app and shop with The Underbelly by Jessamyn Stanley
Discover peer support through MRCI ('“mercy”).
Do therapy. Therapy for Black Girls; Therapy for Black Men
World Stop.
Imagine a global lifestyle where, for just one day, every single person on the planet observed a day of collective rest to prioritize their mental health.
On the next World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024, I challenge us to explore the hypothetical scenario of collectively taking a mental health day.
What would change in our lives if we all set aside time to focus on our mental well-being together?
Let's find out. Set a reminder now to take a mental health day on 10/10/2024.
[Originally written 08/03/2021 | Tue | Calvin St.]
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As long as I am blessed to be alive, I will be a blessing to others.
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