Finding Balance
By the end of the Summer 2023, I was ready to return to the fast-paced life of working 3 jobs, doing what I love, and trying to find balance with it all.
I’ve been back to work now for over a month as an after school teacher, facilitating creative play in a safe and kind space. So far it has been manageable keeping up with the backend work of building a children’s yoga teacher business, teaching kids yoga classes, and guiding yoga hikes. There have been a few setbacks, and I’ve had to let some things go. Finding balance means being realistic about taking on too much, and knowing when you have enough.
🤷♀️ Do you ever feel like giving up?
Yes. But that feeling is impermanent. It comes when I feel overtired and overwhelmed with all the tasks and responsibilities of working hard everyday to build a children’s yoga teacher business and supporting myself in doing so. It leaves almost as soon as it comes. At the end of the day, or the end of a week, I look back and reflect on all the children I have taught, people I have worked with, content that I created, and smile. Feeling tired after a long work week is normal, but feeling ready to start again the next week means you are living your dream.
🤔 How do you find balance with work, life and living each day?
Set Clear Boundaries.
This is a biggie. Be very clear within yourself first on how you want to relate to the world. Whether it be work or personal relationships, determine your own boundaries and stick to them. One thing I do is set a schedule and stick to it. Then I set aside time to work without distractions (phone). This has been a very successful strategy and boundary.
Stay Strong Within.
By this I mean stay within your own power. Other people are going to do and say things, and we cannot control that. All we can control is how we react or respond. Be gentle with yourself and stay strong.
Let Go.
Okay, so those people that do and say things that push your boundaries and buttons…give them a little thought (maybe more), then let them go. Other examples of things to let go of are: thoughts, feelings, emotions, relationships, social engagements, chores, and work tasks.
Take Rest Under the Trees.
Shh……This is my little secret. My favorite thing to do to find balance is take to the forest and breathe with the trees. Hiking is one way to do this, so is lying outside under the canopy of trees and just taking it all in. In the “A Summer’s Review” blog I mentioned that taking time away from work to rest allows more space and energy to create.
🌳 Finding Balance is a Part of Nature.
Trees stay balanced by having a vast system of roots firmly planted within the Earth. Their branches grow, change, and reach for the sun. They bend and sway in the breeze, gentle and strong, but do not break. I think of finding balance as being like a tree. Stay connected and strong within, while growing and changing through all the breezes of life.
Ms. Brandon, RCYT, RYT500, holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University, is a highly qualified educator, and has 20 years' experience working with children and children with special needs. Information for the kids yoga blog comes from Ms. Brandon’s 95 hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training RCYS, and is approved by Yoga Alliance.
