The Art of Balance
The start of 2017 brings about resolutions, change, hope, and determination. We feel that the turn of a new year means we have a fresh start, another chance to become the people we want to be. While there is always room for growth, this time of the year can quickly turn dangerous if we let it. Why? It’s simple: intentions to grow can quickly turn into criticism and hard work can become mere wishes. Making resolutions are not bad by any means. It is merely how we go about doing so that can sometimes cause problems. Too often we tear our former selves down to make these resolutions.
For example, many people decide they want to lose a certain amount of weight in the new year. This is a perfect goal! The problem occurs when they start to become self-destructive to how much weight they may have gained in the prior year. This can easily lead to them labeling the entire year in a negative manner, as if the amount of weight they carried can define them as people!
So, if this is the case, how do we seek self-improvement while still appreciating ourselves? By finding balance.
It may be difficult and confusing at first. But, like most things worth doing, it comes with practice. With balance, you can “bloom where you are planted”. In other words, you may not be where you want to be, but you can make where you are count. Balance means not settling, but finding happiness where you are and using that to make a difference.
What is it that you need to balance in your life? Maybe there are a million activities you’re involved with that are becoming too much to juggle. Perhaps you need to balance your attitude. Whatever it may be, create ways to find that balance in your life.
Another piece of resolutions is that they too often die away before the year is even half over. By finding and maintaining balance, we can be sure to have more of a lasting impact. In this new year, I hope you find a balance between dreaming and doing, seeing and believing, working and living. A balance between walking away and resiliency, fear and courage, busy and content. Above all, find a balance that makes you happy.
Wishing you joy,
Elizabeth Meyer
Kansas FFA President