Finding a rhythm > Achieving perfect balance

Hello, sweet friends! First and foremost, how are you doing? My heartfelt prayer and hope is that none of you reading this, now or in the future, has been impacted directly by COVID-19 and that your loved ones are healthy and safe. Also realizing that the virus is spreading much faster than we can imagine, I am praying over any of you that have been directly impacted.

As the world is literally being pulled in a million directions, I recognize that we are all trying to find a way to maintain our sanity with staying informed. In all of that, I can say from personal experience, that in times of uncertainty, I have always looked for ways to find “balance”. But a few months ago, I came to the conclusion that balance was basically impossible for me and instead, I needed to follow the wise words of others and figure out a rhythm. So I know you’re wondering, “what’s the difference” or “why do I need one over the other”, and I’m excited to chat with you about that today.

In its most basic sense, the word balance symbolizes all things being equal at all times. Whenever one thing tips just a little more left of right, the balance becomes off/broken. This is my exact problem with balance. There’s never really a time in your life when you are experiencing true, stable and sensible balance. Some days, your job takes over more than your side hustle. Other days, your kids take over more than your friendships. Some days, sleep and rest take precedence over your work. And honestly, this is how it should be. Instead of focusing so much on having all things being equal such as how much time you’re spending working, sleeping, entertaining your kids, exercising and so on, let’s seek a rhythm.

A rhythm signifies that all things you care about find a way into your day. For example, I know that each day I want to walk my dog for at least 30 minutes. We need the exercise and walking get’s us out of my 620 sq/ft studio apartment. If I was truly seeking balance, anytime this walk went under or over 30 minutes, didn’t happen at that exact 3pm time or was interrupted in anyway, I would feel off balance. However, finding peace in my rhythm helps me know that no matter if we walk early in the morning or later in the evening, as long as we get it done, the goal has been achieved for the day. Thus, I can move on. You can easily apply this same principle for working out. Even though you may want to workout as soon as you wake up, in all times of uncertainty, that may not happen exactly how you plan every single day. The goal is mores to be active daily and less about the time of the day for most.

Additionally, during this time I want to focus on making a meal once a day. Other meals can be leftover or takeout or just snacks, but one meals needs to be made. Because I am finding a rhythm, I know that some days I will make breakfast when my mornings are light and other days I will create this meal during dinner after a really busy day. Either way, I have accomplished that goal for the day and because I didn’t stress about being perfectly balanced, I was able to flow through my rhythm with a sense of peace.

And if you’re wondering if/when you have ever done this before, think about your work days. For most of us, we are blessed to have a job with simi-flexible policies. Meaning, if you have a 2pm doctors appointment, you can leave work for that appointment and make your time up on a different day. This is a rythm. Your 40 hours of work are still being completed in that week, it just doesn’t look the same everyday. And because it doesn’t look the same, you are able to find time and space for other obligations while maintaining your basic rhythm of being responsible for your commitments.

In times of uncertainty, it has been, and will always be, a goal to maintain your rhythm of life. No matter if that means sticking to the same schedule during the week with flexibility during the weekend or having every day simply look different . During this time, I have found solace in knowing that each day there will be a little more uncertainty as news develops and plans change. But, putting my faith in The Creator of all things, and controlling only what I can, my rhythms will be what helps me stay sane.

As always friends, reach out to chat, vent or just say hello on social media @lotsofsassblog or via email azanique@lotsofsass.com. Covering you all with prayer and well wishes <3 Thanks so much for reading. -xo, Azanique <3