BALANCE

As we age, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining balance.   No one wants to experience a fall and it’s aftermath, which is only made worse by a slower healing process because of our age.     I try and keep up with yoga stretches and balancing exercises, avoid icy surfaces, pay attention on stairs and wear “sensible” shoes,  so that I might either avoid a fall, or at least, lessen it’s impact.

While that is all good,  I have come to realize that it is not only my physical balance that I need to be mindful of, but that an overall general sense of balance in my life is critical.

I was reminded of this over the Christmas holidays.   Every year, as the time approaches I remind myself that there will be far too many opportunities for the over-consumption of yummy food, drink and time spent in high-energy exchanges of energy than I am not used to, nor do I need.    After having been to a couple of lovely gatherings involving an over-abundance of all of the above, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed and tired.   I knew I was out of balance.   When that happens to me, I know that I need to recoil, spend some quiet time in my own space and simply relax.   It isn’t what is normally expected of us during the holiday season, and yet, the season itself makes it even more necessary.

Giving it some thought, I  called those who had invited me to dinner over the next few days and respectfully gave my regrets.  I am not certain if it was met with clear understanding, but for me it felt like I was taking good self care.   In conversation with other women friends I discovered that I was not alone.   They, too, had passed up invitations knowing that they were becoming tired and needed to be more quiet.  So encouraging to witness women, not only recognizing their limits, but, being willing to let others know what they need regardless of what might be the expectations.

This idea of balance is worth paying attention in any facet of our lives.    It is much more difficult to achieve when we are younger and busy with careers and family responsibilities, although it certainly is needed.   When we get older, it becomes nearly impossible to ignore it’s value because our bodies will soon let us know if we do.

We have been educated on ways to improve our balance physically so that we can lessen our risk of falling.   Just as being able to balance ourselves against a physical fall, we can also learn to balance ourselves against the emotional and mental downfall that can happen when we over-extend ourselves.

As women, it usually falls to us to create and maintain the holiday traditions which involves a lot of preparation and hard work and it can carry with it the added burden of unquestioned expectations that we place upon ourselves.   It isn’t only during holidays that we experience this.    It’s common for women to put themselves low on the list of those whose needs must be considered.  Learning to do that, and to create balance in our lives, is not only a good measure for holidays but for every day.

Recently, in travel planning, I found myself attempting to build an over-zealous itinerary.   My travel spirit is very young, and yet, the reality is that at my age I can not travel as I did a decade ago. I need to be more mindful of the amount of energy the actualization of any itinerary, as well as the hours of itinerary planning themselves, will take.   I need to balance my desired trip aspirations with a level of reality that will allow me to travel wisely well into my old age,  have a good time, and not become overwhelmed or exhausted.

Whether it is grand adventures like travel, holiday celebrations, family commitments or the simple flow of one day into another, remaining aware of my need for balance is essential.   After all, I don’t wish to fall – however, I define that.