I work hard.  I am sure you do, too.  It isn't easy nor is it always fun but it does seem to be necessary.  It is for me, anyway.  I am also one of those people that has trouble saying "no."  I will say, however,  that in my old age, I am getting a bit better at using that very simple but powerful two-letter word. I have thought a lot about why it is so difficult for me to say "no" and I have decided it is because I want to say "yes."  I enjoy working and I try to be a people-pleaser. 

This very true description of me tends to get me volunteered for all kinds of projects outside of my work place and work week.  Sometimes, others volunteer me but I usually do the volunteering myself.   I am always attached to a theatre and theatre projects.  I am a member of the Lion's Club and just joined the executive board of Faith's Hope.  I regularly attend Chamber of Commerce events and I mentor a high school student that is interested in entering the business world.   Needless to say, I keep myself busy.

Why?  I often feel like I don't give enough and that I need to do and give more.  I like volunteering; it feels good.  Better than exercise, anyway.  ;-)  This type of work adds to the balance in my life.  We all need to find balance and realize that we are not alone, nor is anyone else.  I eat a balanced diet.  I try to exercise when I can.  I spend down time with my family and squeeze in some time for friends.  Why wouldn't I also balance my work? 

Balance.  I used to think it was a bunch of hogwash, that I could live my life the way I wanted and find happiness.  It wasn't long into my own adulthood that I realized that the organization that balance brings is priceless.  One of my favorite things to say, is gaining the balance and balancing the gain.  This covers a lot of territory and given that I am an optimist, I am going to say that the gain over the next six months will be substantial. 

Constantly strive to gain that balance.  Say "no" every so often; it is empowering.  Eat right (that's the mother coming out in me.)  And let go of past hurt.  You cannot be balanced if you are constantly looking back or hanging on to anger and pain.  This is a human experience and it includes many dimensions.  Of course, no one wants that full experience, but you can't always get what you want.

© by rayannethorn