By Monica Rodriguez | Reporter
The dictionary definition of balance is “a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.” Usually, this explanation is a goal most people seek to attain.
Whether it be eating healthy and working out, getting good grades or having a social life, we often attempt to mash all these different elements together into our everyday lives; this is mostly because we believe this is the magic formula that will give us happiness or the type of life we desire.
However, I believe this isn’t necessarily always the case.
Many times, I have tried to imitate this idea of a perfect lifestyle. I’ve woken up at 8 a.m., made myself a healthy, Pinterest-worthy breakfast, gone to classes, immediately went home and did all my homework, spent an hour working out at the gym, answered all my emails and texts from friends, showered, watched an episode of Game of Thrones and been in tucked in bed all before midnight.
Yet, I’ve never felt more exhausted or stressed out than I do after attempting to “balance” my days. Instead, I believe more people should strive to not to achieve this unrealistic idea of perfection.
If some days, you can’t go to the gym because you have a five page paper due tomorrow morning, then skip it. If you need to eat a chocolate bar just because you feel like it, then go ahead and put that piece of celery down. If, after a long day, you just need some time to yourself, turn on some music and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode for an hour or two.
All I’m saying is that it’s OK to embrace the chaos within your life. Why do we continue to seek fulfillment over things we can’t control?
Now I’m not saying balance is bad. It is a good thing to want to excel in all areas of life. But don’t let celebrities or the “perfect” people you see on your Instagram feed brainwash you into thinking you’re missing out on something by not going to yoga every morning or making six figures and traveling the world by the time you’re 21-years-old.
The key is being happy with yourself and the path you are on.
I’ve learned that you’ve got to just take it one day at a time–– wake up in the morning, put one foot in front of the other and let God take care of the rest.
Strive to spend your days working with the unpredictables of life instead of constantly trying to fight back against them. Adjust your sails instead of acting like you can control when the current is going to change.
Although I’ll probably never stop stressing about different parts about my life until I’m retired and living it up on a tropical island far away from civilization, I encourage everyone who’s having trouble dealing with their own chaos to consider this quote by author Jana Kingsford, “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
