We're still in the midst of half-marathon training at the YMCA, and our thrice-weekly runs always begin with what we call the Valli Moment (Valli is our coach and mentor). We all stand in a circle, some of us still stretching and feeling out our muscles from the last run, and answer whatever question Valli throws at us for the day.
Today, the question was "What is one of your personal goals for the new year -- and it can't be a physical or athletic one."
We all went around, giving our own answers, but there was a prevailing theme in almost every one of the response: Achieve balance in our lives.
For some of us, that would take the form of:
- saying "no" more often
- spending more time playing with the kids
- making more time for our spouse
- spending less time shopping for unnecessary items
All twenty or so of us were feeling the need to re-evaluate our priorities, and make a conscious effort to achieve a healthy balance between work (for some), obligations and family.
For me, it's the first one -- saying "no" more often. I am always willing to say "yes" to a request to help or volunteer -- at school, at church, at the kids' activities. And sometimes in the process, my family gets the shaft because too much of my time is spent on these obligations, and I am saying to them "no, I can't help you with that craft right now" or "sorry, it's cereal for dinner again". I am making a conscious decision to carefully evaluate each request in light of my personal goals, my family's needs, and my desire to give back.
But let's be honest -- taking on projects and juggling obligations is a huge ego boost. And for someone who finds her self-worth in her accomplishments, this will be an adjustment for me. But I am willing to give it a try in the name of balance.
That being said, it's frozen pizza for dinner tonight because I'm off to another meeting.
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