My Word For 2021: Balance
Each year I like to start with an intention, a word that symbolizes my focus for the year. Last year was “rebuild” after a tumultuous 2019. My word for 2021: balance.
If you asked me a few years ago what balance looked like, I would have told you it looked like a juggling circus act- a perfectly executed, synchronized rhythm without dropping the ball all whilst riding a unicycle, That image conveys a frantic, unachievable and unsustainable pace. Applying this metaphor to my own life, I interpreted “balance” to be doing it all, all at once and without missing a beat. I bought into the lie that having it all meant doing it all. I chided myself for choosing to be a stay-at-home parent and not occupying the corporate world whilst changing diapers like so many amazing women do as well as my husband. My skewed perspective meant a balanced life was never within reach.
I now see balance as something very different. I see balance as making priorities and adjusting accordingly. I see balance as setting healthy boundaries. I see balance not devoid of big dreams, but creating realistic goals and benchmarks. I see balance allows time for things that make me happy, creative space and adequate rest. I see balance seeks flexibility and not rigidity. I see balance seeks a standard of grace and not perfection. I see balance as an intentional way of living. Instead of trying to juggle all the balls in the air, I see balance as relying on God’s strength each day. The balance I am seeking is to be one with a soft heart yet discerning mind and a strong yet gentle spirit.
“Life is about balance.
The good and the bad.
The high and the lows.
The pina and the colada.”
