The Balancing Act of Life
By Melinda Elliott
October 1, 2007
I received some wonderful feedback from my article, The Bigger Picture, where I described my experience of being laid off. I
was touched by how much my words seemed to resonate with others who’d been in the same situation. However some readers
felt I was condemning corporate life. The reality is, that while it’s common to let our jobs tip us out of balance, there are many
other areas of our life that can push us “out of whack”.
As we struggle to successfully navigate our daily lives, the reality is that we tend to pay more attention to the areas that result in
the most stress. Many of us become absorbed in our jobs, but it could just as easily be our family, health problems, or financial
concerns that capture our attention. Focusing on our immediate problems often leads us to become detached from other parts
of our lives, and those areas we ignore often are the areas that would provide more richness, depth, and “heart” to our days.
What are your passions? Take a minute right now to make a list of all the things you have ever loved doing, or wanted to try. (I
say “have ever loved doing” because many of us leave passions behind as we grow into adult lives with adult responsibilities.)
Think you’re done? I challenge you to add five more!
Think about your list. Anything surprise you? Pick one item to do, or start doing, in the next week. If you always wanted to
learn to paint, check out what classes might be available at the community center in your town. If your passion used to be
cooking, pick one recipe to make from scratch this week.
Focusing on something that inspires us can be a breath of fresh air when life has lost balance. And for many there is an added
benefit. Often, when we open space in our lives and shift focus to something that ignites our passion, that fresh energy radiates
to the rest of our lives - insights and solutions to our big struggles suddenly become available.
If you have trouble figuring out where to start, or how to find time to fit something else into your busy schedule, give me a call!
Coaching can assist you in de-stressing both by identifying new ways to deal with stress, and helping you connect more deeply
with those areas in your life that put a smile on your lips and a song in your heart.
By Melinda Elliott
October 1, 2007
I received some wonderful feedback from my article, The Bigger Picture, where I described my experience of being laid off. I
was touched by how much my words seemed to resonate with others who’d been in the same situation. However some readers
felt I was condemning corporate life. The reality is, that while it’s common to let our jobs tip us out of balance, there are many
other areas of our life that can push us “out of whack”.
As we struggle to successfully navigate our daily lives, the reality is that we tend to pay more attention to the areas that result in
the most stress. Many of us become absorbed in our jobs, but it could just as easily be our family, health problems, or financial
concerns that capture our attention. Focusing on our immediate problems often leads us to become detached from other parts
of our lives, and those areas we ignore often are the areas that would provide more richness, depth, and “heart” to our days.
What are your passions? Take a minute right now to make a list of all the things you have ever loved doing, or wanted to try. (I
say “have ever loved doing” because many of us leave passions behind as we grow into adult lives with adult responsibilities.)
Think you’re done? I challenge you to add five more!
Think about your list. Anything surprise you? Pick one item to do, or start doing, in the next week. If you always wanted to
learn to paint, check out what classes might be available at the community center in your town. If your passion used to be
cooking, pick one recipe to make from scratch this week.
Focusing on something that inspires us can be a breath of fresh air when life has lost balance. And for many there is an added
benefit. Often, when we open space in our lives and shift focus to something that ignites our passion, that fresh energy radiates
to the rest of our lives - insights and solutions to our big struggles suddenly become available.
If you have trouble figuring out where to start, or how to find time to fit something else into your busy schedule, give me a call!
Coaching can assist you in de-stressing both by identifying new ways to deal with stress, and helping you connect more deeply
with those areas in your life that put a smile on your lips and a song in your heart.
© Melinda Elliott 2007
Melinda Elliott is a certified Life Coach who works with people to achieve the life they want. Through coaching, Melinda can help
you leverage your strengths, smash your roadblocks, and create the life you're dreaming of. For more information or to request
a free Sample Session, visit http://www.melindaelliottcoaching.com
Note: This article may be re-published with appropriate attribution to the author including the copyright information, the
paragraph above, and this note.
Melinda Elliott is a certified Life Coach who works with people to achieve the life they want. Through coaching, Melinda can help
you leverage your strengths, smash your roadblocks, and create the life you're dreaming of. For more information or to request
a free Sample Session, visit http://www.melindaelliottcoaching.com
Note: This article may be re-published with appropriate attribution to the author including the copyright information, the
paragraph above, and this note.
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