Rise and Shine! Today is the day that we take those obstacles that have been festering and find solutions! Sometimes when we write down problems and they pertain to something we really want to achieve, solutions naturally come to us. Ways to get where we want to be magically appear. Since we are motivated... we start to take those solutions seriously. Those who are not motivated likely did not make it this far in the challenge. Congrats! You are ready for balance. If you need a refresher on obstacles, check out
Balance Challenge Day 6: Obstacles to a Balanced Self.
When I was typing out my obstacles last week it seemed like as soon as I put the problem out there, a solution came to me. In my former life, I was a social worker and used the theory Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) frequently in my work. SFBT takes issues that have come up in the past but shifts the focus to how they can be corrected in the present and future. It creates short term therapy and is usually very effective!
In writing down my obstacles I realized so many different ways in which I compromise my own balance. If you remember I made a cute little pie chart of what my balance would look like. I became even more excited by seeing my balance laid out for me. I could almost taste the sweet bliss of my balanced self and it was GOOD. I crave more balance in my life. What I noticed was that all obstacles lead back to really one main "character flaw."
I lack the confidence to ask for help. I almost NEVER will ask people for help. I always make excuses as to why I can't just give someone a call and say "I'm in over my head" or "I'm in a bind." Asking for help seems to make me feel weak. That's not the reality of course but it is how I feel. I should be able to handle anything. And so the secret to my balance success is asking for help.
My husband is the hardest working, most loyal, and compassionate man you will meet. He has been working really hard to provide for us since I quit my social work job to pursue yoga. He was compassionate enough to realize that I could not handle the negativity and toxicity of my previous job in a nursing home. I would come home feel emotionally gross and ethically dirty from my job. The principles of the company did not align with my principles as a human. I am NOT the easiest woman to be married too. I am moody, particular, and every bit the princess... I'm also very self aware. Despite my flaws, my husband loves me unconditionally. Even in times when I am thinking, this isn't working, he powers through and proves that we are very much soul mates. Due to my husband's work schedule, I typically feel bad asking him to watch our daughter so I can go take a break. I've asked to go get a pedicure or to go to yoga, but I have never asked for more than 1-2 hours. My motivation led me to wake up Sunday and ask. I explained that I felt like I needed some time to just play and get some things done and you know what he said "I think that's a great idea." His generosity allowed me to get some work done, spend quality time with my dogs, and do yoga. I could enjoy three of the things on my pie chart. When he came home we spent time as a family and then we all slept well from our day of adventure.
Take a good hard look at your obstacles and start to pave the road to balance. Tackle one challenge at a time. When you are done, find the obstacles that will be the easiest to overcome. Surmount that one obstacle. Note how good it feels when you succeed. Commit that feeling to memory and take one concern at a time and correct it.
You are well on your way to a balanced self. If you feel like you need more support you can brainstorm with family or friends. You can also contact me and receive 50% off of a 1 hour coaching consultation by mentioning the Balance Challenge! That's a $30 value! The possibilities for your balance are endless. You have come so far. Don't get stuck now!
