Eight Simple Suggestions Towards Balance, Simplicity, and Contentment

1.   Accept limits

2.   Recognize (some) frenzy is a part of life

3.   Learn from mistakes

4.   The good enough principle

5.   (Re)integrate work and life

6.   Live life in chapters

7.   Be present in this moment

8.   Embrace community

     In my junior year of college, my sociology professor, Lisa McMinn, introduced these suggestions to our class.  This list is helpful when trying to refocus your energy on the positive aspects of life. 

     1. It's healthy to accept that there are limits to life.

     2. We should recognize that some frenzy in our lives is healthy. This will make us develop into men and women of character.

     3. Let the mistakes that you make become a stepping stone for achievement.  Live and learn.

     4. This goes along with accepting limits.  Do the best you can and be content with that.

     5. Don't always compartmentalize your life. Be a joyful person at work and in your personal life. Let work be a vocation that enriches your overall well-being.

     6. There is a season for everything. Joy, sadness, trials, and triumphs.

     7. We can never get time back, so be present.  Listen to your friends and family, empathize with others, enjoy the food that you're eating, focus on your workout and how it makes you feel, meditate on a beautiful day and be grateful that you have the choice to be present. 

     8. I love the concept of community.  Maybe I will expand on this concept in a later blog post, but for now realize that you are not in this life alone.  You have friends and family and community members that should be embraced.