Are You Creating Balance In Your Life? (part 2)

In the last post we started this discussion on ways to create balance in your life. Another suggestion is to set goals for what you plan to accomplish each day - or at least for the week. But as you are creating those goals, make sure they are reasonable and doable. Plan to accomplish the most important things first, then if there is still time, you can work on the next tier of tasks that are not as important to you. You may also need to recognize what tasks must be completed with great care and attention so that you can create the appropriate circumstances in which to accomplish them with the least amount of interference or interruptions.


The suggestions included in the series of posts on Your Life Wheel can also be beneficial in this situation. Additionally, writing can be a very effective way to relieve stress. Writing in a journal, for example, can help you to get things off your chest in a way that is not threatening to others. It can help you plan for your dreams or just to slow down for a bit. Writing a letter to someone who has upset or disappointed you can also be helpful. The idea here is that you write out what you would like to say to that person but don't share it. Sleep on it for a day or two, then re-read it. That gives you some time to decide if the message was something that you needed to say or something they really need to hear. If you feel they still need to hear it, you have the opportunity to review it and make changes to send the message you truly want to share.

On the home front, if it seems you are 'doing everything', you should still be able to set priorities. If you live alone, decide what really needs to be done and how often. You may have to decide what you can 'stand' in order to give yourself a little more peace and quiet. In other words, if you are not able or willing to do it all yourself, do you just want to let it slide, hire someone to do some of those tasks, or find time to do what really needs to be done. If there are others in the home who could handle some of those responsibilities, have an open discussion with them and determine who will take on what.

Of course, as a counselor, I must also suggest that if you find you are not able to cope with things or to make some changes to make your life more manageable, I encourage you to seek outside help. Counselors and other helping professionals are available to talk and to help you find ways to adjust things to cope with your situation. You may want to see if your employer offers any type of assistance program for its employees or refer to one of the national or state organisations, such as the American Counseling Association or the Ohio Counseling Association for suggestions on possible helping professionals.

Mary Ann Davis (MA) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement, loss of job, coping with an empty nest, preparing to return to work or school, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone helping to find solutions to problems related to life transitions. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.