Why Balance is Bullshit
In a world that often preaches the gospel of balance—balancing work and life, balancing relationships, balancing health and indulgence—it's time to call out the fallacy of this ideal. I believe that the pursuit of balance is not only futile but also detrimental to our well-being. Instead, I propose that we embrace life's natural rhythms and seasons, much like kids playing on a teeter-totter, where perfect equilibrium is an illusion.
Imagine a group of children on a teeter-totter. As one child goes up, the other goes down, and vice versa. It's a dance of give and take, of highs and lows, of moments of imbalance that ultimately create harmony in their play. This simple yet profound image perfectly encapsulates the essence of life itself—constantly shifting, ebbing, and flowing.
The notion of balance implies a static state where all aspects of life are perfectly aligned at all times. But let's be honest—how often does that truly happen? Life is dynamic, unpredictable, and messy. Just when we think we've achieved balance, something inevitably comes along to disrupt it—a sudden illness, a career opportunity, a family crisis.
Trying to maintain balance in every aspect of our lives is not only exhausting but also unrealistic. It sets us up for disappointment and feelings of inadequacy when we inevitably fall short of this unattainable ideal. Instead, we should embrace the seasons and rhythms of life, understanding that imbalance is not only normal but necessary for growth and transformation.
Think about the changing seasons in nature. Each season serves a purpose and offers its own unique gifts. Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings, summer is a season of abundance and growth, autumn is a time of reflection and letting go, and winter is a period of rest and introspection. Just as nature cycles through these seasons, so too do our lives.
There will be times when we are fully immersed in our careers, pouring all our energy and focus into professional growth. Other times, our attention may shift to our relationships, health, or passions. And that's okay. It's all part of the beautiful tapestry of life.
The teeter-totter analogy reminds us that true balance is not about keeping everything perfectly level at all times. It's about embracing the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs, and finding harmony within the chaos. It's about being present and fully engaged in whatever season of life we find ourselves in, knowing that it will inevitably change.
As a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for intentional living, I've realized that striving for balance often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Instead, I've learned to embrace the messiness of life and to trust in the natural rhythms that govern our existence.
This doesn't mean we should abandon all efforts to create stability and structure in our lives. On the contrary, it's about finding a sense of groundedness and resilience amidst the uncertainty. It's about cultivating practices like mindfulness, self-care, and gratitude that help us navigate life's twists and turns with grace and ease.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to achieve balance in every aspect of your life, remember the image of those kids on the teeter-totter. Embrace the seasons and rhythms of life, knowing that perfect balance is an illusion and that true fulfilment comes from embracing the journey, wherever it may lead.
In conclusion, balance may be a tempting ideal, but it's ultimately a myth. Instead, let's celebrate the ever-changing landscape of our lives, knowing that each season brings its own lessons, challenges, and blessings. Embrace the imbalance, dear reader, for it is in the dance of life's highs and lows that true beauty is found.
