Life Balance

Just love it Lori!

I'm visiting Ukraine right now and no matter how much other countries copy and try to be like America... a copy is never better than the original. I'm glad that we in America drive around like crazy getting things done and try to balance everything. [In other countries you probably would be running around instead of driving :P ] Workaholics we are but at least we don't spend half of our life waiting in line for something [I mean it!]. Imagine how much less you would get done elsewhere?

The only suggestion that I can give you is... Work for yourself, no really --- work for yourself. Being part of a multilevel marketing program is very limited. Find something that you like [which you can make money from] and do it. If you're your own boss... maybe Mondays can be grandkids day? ;]

Good luck with everything,

-Andrey

Hi Lori,

I've been through the sandwich generation thing. Actually, I'm still there. My daughter is grown, but my dad is a terminal cancer patient. It's difficult and emotionally draining.

What I found is that siblings don't understand. They think that because you don't have a "real job," you can drop everything at a moment's notice (no boss and all) and leave town. Really, it's just the opposite. There is no one to take your place, to fill in, and deadlines don't go away.

I think we just do the best we can do and be there when we can. I still have guilt because I wasn't there every minute in my mom's last year of life and my sister was. But we just do what we can.

You are right. You can't be everything to everybody. Be sure to take care of yourself, too.

Andrey, are you back? Nothing like visiting another country to make you appreciate your home, right?

Lori,

I am with you. My dad is in cancer remission and was just out of hospital after 4-day staying. I had to force him to ER when he insisted he was ok. That's work.

My 19-yr old just broke his knee and will need a surgery soon. That's more work.

Luckily, I have a full time job that is flexible. I can do conference calls anywhere and get my work done.

My advise for life balance is to take good care of yourself. We can only pour when we are full. Eat right, sleep well, exercise and have a support system (friends, coaches, family..etc). Take care!

I agree with the above comments that you should put yourself first. You'll be no good to anyone if you burn out.

I have people come to me all the time for a program to help them manifest more energy through exercise and nutrition, but I very often suggest that they spend the money on a massage (or some other treat they can give themselves).

When they're ready, they return more able to benefit from any service I can be.

The people around you may not understand your "me" time, but soon they will realize how helpful it is for everyone involved.

Take care of your Self - Patrick

So much wonderful sharing already. Might I add: Keep counting those blessings and savor the time with your parents and kids. I know this is a much used phrase but this life does go by so fast..

And, I have found a little healthy boundary setting goes along way to maintaining personal equilibrium.

Again, do find time for your own self care and your own interests. I find this a key to healthy relationships.. Be well- Leta

Wow! This is a great conversation... What helps me is to remember that all things move in cycles and that busy weeks do get balanced out by less busy weeks and that living a technicolor life, rather than monocrhome or two-toned is a choice (I'd make again and again). Even so, there is no denying that the pace has picked up. We are all having to do more with the time we have just to keep everything moving. It's difficult at times because as a person who gets things done, it's expected (and I expect) to do more than others; including siblings and friends who have "real jobs" and so suffer more than I do under the duress of a "real boss", etc.

I have found that a sense of humor and good health make all the difference in how I see the world and how I engage with it. Maybe it's age, but I'm also more self-centered and self-aware. It is easier to see the forest from the trees and vice versa. I only hope it get keeps getting better.... By the way, there are many imperfections in my life and many moments of stress (as I watch elders become more dependent and my teenager growing up and needing me almost as much as she did when she was a child). But I still wouldn't trade any of it!!!