We are coming up on the half-way mark of this first month of the year and in some ways I feel like I’m still struggling to get out of last year.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexindigo/2571638877/

One of things I’ve been working on for a while (and probably will from here on out) is maintaining balance in my life. This is a challenge for me. I’m an all-or-nothing kind of gal. When I do something, I like to do it right and give it everything I’ve got. The “nothing” typically comes when I’m all given out and have nothing left to give.

This almost always reflects in my weight, too. I’m an emotional eater. When I feel off-kilter, I almost always turn to food for comfort. Instead of God.

Word Web gives this definition of balance:

Harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole  (as in a design)

Harmonious arrangement. Each piece of life complimenting the others. Working together. Creating something beautiful.

This is how I would love for my life to feel.

It’s God desire for me, too.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. {Romans 12:1, NIV}

Creating balance

I do feel much more balanced than I was several years ago. I’ve learned to release anger and unrealistic expectations. I’ve overcome the pain of loss and paralyzing fear.

But somehow there is a part of me that feels like I’m still teetering. Slightly uneven. Bobbling left to right, trying to find that delicate balance.

So here’s my plan of how I’ll begin working to create even more balance. It’s just a plan though, and I realize that if I do not purposefully seek to follow it on a daily (hour-to hour, minute-by-minute) basis, it will be of no use. I will also revisit and revise my plan as needed. I’m thinking a monthly review will serve as great points of reference.

 Beginning steps to creating balance:

1. Begin each day with Jesus {prayer, meditation, Word, study}
2. Weekly & daily lists {to do, important things to remember}
3. Refilling my well {Morning Pages, art/journaling, reading}

Helpful Resources

If you’re on a quest for a balanced life, too, here are some resources that I’ve particularly found insightful and/or useful that might be of use to you as well.

• Living a balanced life
• Begin again, each and every day (with free worksheet)
• Maximize Your Mornings (free ebook)
• Taking a weekly planning & prayer retreat
• Savoring Living Water
• One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are (I highly recommend this book!)

How do you create and maintain balance in your life?

*disclosure