Balance

I remember watching a talk show years ago whilst I was cooking dinner. They were discussing real age versus perceived age. One of the factors that they determined could predict your age range was the amount of seconds that you were able to stand unaided on one leg. The audience sneered in defiance, convinced that this was too simplified an assessment, until they stood up and put it to the test. When half of them were seated before six seconds had passed, they were believers! Today I tried it again...... and after a full minute I decided that I am obviously still young and balanced. 

I may not have toppled over today, but I am definitely missing balance in my life. Actually, I think that it has been decades since I could lay claim to that! The work/play ratio is not enough to achieve the harmony I need in my life, but meeting all of Maslow's hierarchy when you are on a ship 15 000 kilometers away from home? Almost impossible.

I made a calculated risk decision today (I will elaborate at a later date), and immediately after the words left my mouth, I was flooded with relief. Trust your gut! Sometimes, thinking that you are in control of achieving balance is enough to distract you from actually allowing the natural processes of the universe to take place. We really aren't in control. Surrendering to something much bigger than ourselves is easier said than done. But the inner peace that ripples through you once you release the reigns of control..... priceless.

I am well aware that nothing in life goes in a straightforward manner, nor according to plan. I have tasked myself to find solutions that are good for me. Maybe not in the near future, but without setting achievable goals and a believable course of action, I might as well pull the rug and tumble over anyway. I just need to find my old pit bull grip on situations, and not be shaken loose by the tempting bones along the way!

I stood in awe today as we defied nature, geography and physics, and coursed through the Panama Canal. Cutting through the Americas as if it were just another typical day. Today I saw a wonder afforded to few. The privilege was greatly appreciated. One tick for the positive column, maybe more..... and it went a long way towards restoring the balance!