Balance.

I had a discussion recently with my (wonderful) roommate on the importance of finding balance and what it means to be "balanced." We both considered different parts of life that need to be properly maintained to find an equilibrium, and talked through why each were important. 

That conversation inspired me to write this post.

Balance, by dictionary definition, is: 

1. A state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. 
2. Something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3. Mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgement, etc. 

Our conversation fell mostly on the last definition. As relatively new college students, mental "steadiness" and emotional "stability" aren't always the easiest to find. There have been several occasions where one or both of us have felt like we were going absolutely crazy. 

And that's normal.

I think that one of the most important parts of finding "balance" is realizing that sometimes we need to be off-balance. Without experiencing craziness or some negative emotional state, it's difficult to recognize when everything is actually good. 

There was more than one time during last semester where I honestly thought there was no other option than to give up. When, as an introverted person, I absolutely needed alone time and there was nowhere to find it; when I was fed up with having to get up at such an ugly hour for my 8:30 am math class; when I felt like I wasn't getting all that I could from my classes. These things seem trivial, and they definitely are, but they were pivotal moments in realizing that I know how to find balance. 

It's important to know where your balance "spot" is, what you need to do to get there, why you need it. As I was thinking through different parts of my life while talking to my roommate, I learned that the process of finding balance, for me, is very simple. I have to think about where I'm off-balance, and consider what I need to do to level it off... From there, I pull a signature "Brie" and make about 40,000 to-do lists. 

The bottom line is, it's important to consider and appreciate those off-balance times to really understand why balance is such a wonderful thing. 

How do you find balance? 

Keep not settling,

image  credit.