Living in balance is good for us, but what are the aspects of a balanced life?
What does balance mean?
We like the concept of living in balance.
It sounds like we’re never rushed. And never overwhelmed. You know, calm waters and smooth sailing. Ha!
Those descriptors don’t often fit the reality most people face.
Fact is, we each must define balance, in part, based on our values and the choices we make as a result of those values. Next, we must decide what living in balance is worth to us.
Thus, what intentional lifestyle changes will we make to position ourselves for outcomes such as stability, clarity of purpose, and influence?
When we change our mindset we made different choices, which in turn change our life outcomes. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Aspects of a Balanced Life
What aspects of life must we address if we’re to enjoy balance? Here’s a list of an essential few aspects of a balanced life.
1). Spiritual: Actually, spiritual balance is based on a personal faith in God. We must acknowledge that we’re not totally self-made and not utterly independent. As such, the essence of being who we are is our faith in God Himself.
2). Emotional: We must know ourself, thus be self-aware. And, we must be comfortable with who we are, as expressed by our sense of self-worth. Truly, our level of emotional intelligence is grounded in recognizing who we are. That’s heart-level balance.
3). Mental: What’s our mindset? For example, do we believe we can grow? And, are we willing to invest in our own personal growth? Similarly, do we view life through the lens of abundance or scarcity? Actually, how we view the world, how we perceive and think, impacts the choices we make each day, thus the life outcomes we experience and the balance we enjoy.
4). Relational: Are we socially aware enough to know how we come across to others? Does that awareness translate into us purposefully managing our interactions with others? Certainly healthy relationships give evidence of us being in balance in that area of life.
5). Physical: This aspect of life balance includes things like what we eat, sleep habits, and exercise. We take care ourself so we have the excess capacity and experiential wealth to give back to others.
Living in balance, according to Proverbs 3.3, involves mercy and truth. I know the right thing to do. More importantly, I find a way to do that right thing in a way that’s merciful, thus compassionate. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept
Proverbs 3.2 and Proverbs 3.4 list several benefits of a life that balances “…mercy and truth…” (Proverbs 3.3).
When we balance what we know about ourselves and others with what we do – – how we respond and take action – – we enjoy beneficial outcomes in life.
Outcomes like what? Like greater productivity (“…length of days…”), a sustainable life (“…long life…”), inner peace (with God, ourself, and others), and clarity about what’s essential (“…good understanding…”) with both God and others.
Ok, but how does living in balance make us more productive?
Well, we avoid common pitfalls such as overcommitment, failure to enforce healthy boundaries, and poor time management.
Instead, our clarity about life purpose, and our resulting choice of priorities, enable us to focus on what’s most essential during this chapter of our life.
Apply This Today!
Ultimately, enjoying a balanced life is an outcome of the deliberate choices we make. In simplest terms, our Yes/No decisions multiply – – for balance or for imbalance.
Our person, purpose, and passion are divine gifts for us to uncover. In so doing, we discover the connection between faith and fulfillment.
Living in balance is a holistic concept. Conversely, we don’t magically find that single key to abundance! Thus, balance encompasses multiple aspects of life.
Productivity isn’t an outcome of doing more. Instead, a productive and impactful life is an outcome of choosing balance. We don’t try to do it all; we’re focused on doing what’s essential for us – – right now.
Therefore, choose life! Choose abundance! Pursue balance!
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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