James Smith’s Info Serv

Ever notice how striving for more can leave you bloated or overextended, depressed, imbalanced, and wondering, “Is this all there is?”

Perhaps this is an occupational hazard of a deep commitment to learning and growth. There is so much to know, so much to experience, so much to accomplish! Trying to do it all can foster a gnawing hunger that belies the fact that our minds and stomachs are full, and by trying to do even more our life balance is lost. If constant striving is not the answer, what is?

I suspect the answer has to do with devoting at least as much time and energy to developing our capacity and as we do to accruing material goods, information, or accomplishments. In other words, we need to make room for enough. For noticing when we have enough. For noticing when we are truly hungry or truly curious. For noticing that we are enough, just the way we are.

Making room for enough is the first step to achieving and maintaining a balanced life. We make room for enough when we sit in the dentist’s office simply noticing the present moment instead of diving into a magazine.
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Imagine - You walk into a beautiful lobby, filled with colorful flowers, peaceful colors and a light scent of lavender. The receptionist takes your coat, shows you to a changing room and hands you a thick terry cloth robe and slippers that you change into. You pass the sauna and steam room as you leisurely make your way to a chaise lounge close to the hot tub by the indoor pool. Someone offers you a cup of hot tea while you wait for your massage appointment. You sip your tea and listen to the quiet and then – You Wake Up!

Can you see yourself relaxing like this? Maybe not! We all have such hectic and stressful lives these days that even imagining taking time for ourselves kicks the guilt trip into gear. With obligations to children, spouse, work and family, taking time out for you probably seems like a luxury for another life.

But the truth is, you need to take care of yourself before you can really do your best taking care of others. By taking care of yourself first, you create an internal balance allowing you to create more space to help others. Nurture yourself first so you know how to nurture others.
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by: Michelle L. Casto

The World Health Organization has called stress a modern day epidemic affecting every person of every culture, educational status, and financial level across the world. Too much stress is the reason we end up sick and burned out. We know there must be something more than the hustle and bustle of modern-day life and yet forget to take the time to find our unique sense of balance.

Gandhi once said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” This is even more true in the modern world. It is essential then that you discover what will bring you a harmonious and balanced lifestyle. There are many ways to bring more balance to your life. Here are 10 ways I have found that work, which should get you thinking of even more uniquely suited to you.

1. Have Faith in a Higher Power

Voltaire once said, “Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” Having faith in a higher power helps you face even the darkest hours. Faith gives you peace of mind and an open heart. It lights the dark tunnel and allows you to walk forward courageously.

Action Step: Choose a favorite inspirational quote about faith and put it in your wallet.

2. Assess Your Life
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by: John Perry

I rarely ever remember a dream. Even when I can remember what I was dreaming about when I have to get up for a drink or bathroom break in the middle of the night, I have forgotten all about it by morning.

However, last night I had a dream that made me analyze my life and my thought processes on a day to day basis.

I was dreaming about taking a test. I am not sure the subject of the test. I do remember feeling under pressure and I was struggling a bit with the content of the test.

Now, I have taken my share of tests in the past and can recall having these types of dreams while in college; but, why now?

I jotted down a few notes before going back to bed and did my best to decipher this brain spark this morning.

I am into several projects right now in which I am under the microscope, so to speak. But, am I? Is this all in my head? Do I bring all this pressure on myself?
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When you go to parties, do you start talking business with new people before you even exchange names? Or perhaps you refer to yourself as “Mike–the insurance guy,” or “Sue–the medical billing person.” Do you realize what you’re doing? You’re defining who you are by what you do. And if you’ve reached the point that you’re sick and tired of it, then this article was written for you.