Balance

There are many definitions for the word balance.  It can be a state of equilibrium.  An instrument for distributing weight.  In can be an accounting term referring to the difference between the debits and credits of an account.  And my personal favorite, mental steadiness or emotional stability. 

I've been feeling a bit out of balance lately.  Which doesn't bode well for my mental steadiness or emotional stability.

There's not one glaring reason for this imbalance.  Just the sum of many parts, I suppose.  The constant struggle to do so many things, and do them all well.  Career. Motherhood.  Marriage.  Friendships.  Family.  Household.  Me.

I was beginning to feel like a juggler in the circus with so many balls in the air they were about to come tumbling down into one big pile.

Then several things happened.

• I had a heart-to-heart with my husband.  And I realized that despite feeling out of control at times, when it comes to the important stuff, we've got a pretty darn good grip on things.  And even though I hadn't really forgotten it, I was reminded why I love him so much.  And why we work so well together.
• I went on a 4-day road trip with my son (more on these adventures to come in a future post).  We spent time with some of my favorite people on earth - my Grandparents, my Aunts & Uncles, my Mom.  We stayed at my Grandparent's house, which, regardless of any new furniture, decorations or pictures on the walls looks exactly the same to me as it did in my childhood.  Only this time was different, because my son was there.  And I was so proud of him.  And of me, too.  My iPhone didn't work the entire visit.  No service it said.  And while I felt completely lost without it, I think it was just what I needed.
• I spent an hour on the phone catching up with my best friend.  Her life is busy, too.  She knew I was calling and answered the phone, "Thank God".  I know exactly what she meant.  Because after hanging up the phone I felt lighter.  And warm inside.  And happy.

My to-do list is still a mile long.

But I don't feel out of balance anymore.