One of the keys to a good life is balance. We all know, maintaining a balanced life isn’t easy, but certain strategies can make it easier.
Do you remember good old Newton and his laws? (Stay with me here, this is not a nerdy science post. I promise.)
One of his laws stated:
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Basically, the law is about balance. So I’ve stolen his law and come up with some non-science-y variations that promote balance other areas of life:
For every Yes, there must be a NO
Each day we have a finite number of hours, and a finite amount of energy, patience, and brain power. We cannot add an endless number of tasks to our day, because sooner or later we run out of time and energy. If we want balance and sanity in our lives, we must pare the pile of daily tasks to a manageable limit. Which means, every time we add a new YES to our schedule, we need to get rid of something else. Like this:
If we don’t, we’re going to end up like this:
In which case, tasks are going to slide off the pile whether we like it or not. Isn’t life better when we are intentional about which things stay on the schedule and which don’t? If we stop to consider what we’re willing to give up before we say Yes to something, we’ll have a happier, more balanced life.
For every item that comes in, something must go out
This variation applies to our stuff. The more you buy, the more stuff accumulates in your house. A simple way to fight the clutter is to practice the One In—One Out rule. This is particularly important in your personal weakness categories (you know, those items you love to buy, like shoes, books, or knick knacks). The next time you go shopping for clothes or household items, apply this rule. For every new item you add to the closet, take out something you no longer use. Or, for a simple way to thin out the closet, practice One In—Two Out.
To accept something new, we must let go of something old
Phases of life come and go. People move away. Interests and responsibilities change over time. Like it or not, change happens. In order to embrace the new things God is bringing into our lives, we must be willing to let go of what was. Not because it isn’t good, but because it’s not what is best for us now, in this new season. That might mean saying goodbye to friendships because one or both of you have moved on, either literally or metaphorically. It might mean getting rid of supplies for an activity you’ve lost interest in, or can no longer do. This letting go makes room for new relationship, activities, or interests.
I hope these simple rules help you live a happier, more balanced life.
