Wondering (again) about balance

I’ve been wondering about a lot of things lately. I think the throughline might be aging.

I’m noticing a feeling of overwhelm. It might be for real—as in, anyone in like circumstances would feel this way—or, it might be about aging. I wonder.

As the holidays approach, I find myself concerned about overwhelm. Am I scheduling too many things, to the point where my days will be stressful? (My oldest friend is visiting and my birthday’s coming up, too.) The ideal is to have time with family…friends…spiritual practice…traditions…special events and outings…nature…city lights…awe! Plus getting work done in time to take a real break for the holidays. Right?

Am I more concerned than usual about being sure to build in enough spaciousness—because I’m getting older?

On the other hand, I have very strong urges to connect with some dear people in my life, whether old or new friends, whom I’ve not spoken with in a while, before the end of the year. To the point where overwhelm be darned, I’m making lunch dates and online “tea” dates with abandon! I think this has to do with aging, too. Carpe diem!

This brings me to…balance, a term I have largely eschewed for some years. As in, it’s not really possible. It’s precarious at best. We have no control over nearly everything, owing to impermanence, deadlines, and so on. So why bother trying to create, quantify, sculpt, or otherwise conjure up “balance?”

But now I like balance! I’m employing it to help make space + make precious time for friends and family. To have my cake and eat it, too. I’m thankful for every day I have! I savor each. And I plan to enjoy balance without expecting perfection of any sort whatsoever, whenever and however it appears. 🙂

How do you cope with this illusive element?

Love,

Jo

Ps—I spoke to my friend Regina on the topic of balance this week, and she wisely invited the word “resilience” into the conversation. Ah! Yes, indeed.

Photo by Fan Lyu