This post is a reflection on how I navigate the complexities of work and life, and it belongs right here in the “Personal Corner” of this website. It’s a small space, but it’s where I feel free to share my thoughts, unfiltered and honest.
The Myth of Balance
Over the years, I’ve come across countless articles, workshops, and conversations about achieving the perfect work-life balance. It’s an appealing concept—a harmonious equilibrium where work and life coexist without friction. But I’ve realized something about myself: I don’t do balance. Not in the way it’s typically presented, at least.
For me, life isn’t about maintaining a precarious balance; it’s about embracing the ebb and flow, the push and pull of different aspects of my life. There are seasons where work takes the lead, consuming my time and energy, and there are moments when life demands my full attention, pulling me away from professional obligations. And you know what? That’s okay.
Story Time: The Season of Overcommitment ☕
Last month, I found myself at a crossroads. My workload was increasing, and opportunities I’d been waiting for were finally coming to fruition. At the same time, my personal life was bubbling with activity—family gatherings, friendships needing nurturing, and personal goals I had set aside for too long.
I tried to juggle it all. I said yes to every project, every social invitation, every personal challenge. I wanted to do it all, to have it all. But as the days turned into nights of little sleep and the stress began to build, I had to confront a hard truth: I was overcommitted, and it was starting to take a toll. I couldn’t really sleep well at night and waking up in the morning was also challenging. A lot of things to do and a lof of things on my mind. Journaling and meditation help, yes. However, it didn’t solve everything.
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, I sat down and asked myself a question that I had been avoiding: “What am I doing this for?” The answer wasn’t simple, but it was necessary.
The Reality of Prioritization
In that moment of exhaustion, I realized that I had been chasing an ideal that doesn’t exist—not for me, at least. The idea that I could give 100% to every area of my life simultaneously was a myth, a trap that led me to overextend myself until I had nothing left to give.
I had to make a choice. And that choice wasn’t about finding balance; it was about setting priorities. I looked at everything on my plate and made the difficult decision to let some things go, to say no where I needed to, and to allow myself the grace to not have it all figured out.
The Struggle Between Expectations and Reality
This decision wasn’t easy. Like many of us, I’ve been conditioned to believe that success means excelling in every area of life—career, relationships, personal growth—all at the same time. But the reality is that there are times when one aspect of life will take precedence over others, and that’s okay.
When I let go of the need for balance and instead focused on what truly mattered to me in that season, I found a sense of peace. I wasn’t failing; I was making a conscious choice to prioritize what was most important to me at that moment.
A Lesson in Self-Acceptance
What I’ve learned is that life isn’t about achieving a perfect balance; it’s about navigating the tides. It’s about recognizing when you need to pour more of yourself into your work, and when you need to pull back and focus on your personal life. It’s about being okay with the fact that you can’t do it all, all the time.
By letting go of the pressure to balance everything perfectly, I’ve found a more authentic way to live—a way that honors the natural ebb and flow of life. It’s not about balance; it’s about being present and intentional with where I invest my energy.
As I move forward, I carry this lesson with me: that it’s okay not to do it all, that it’s okay to prioritize, and that sometimes, the most balanced thing you can do is to embrace the imbalance and trust yourself to navigate through it.
“Life is not about finding balance; it’s about finding your rhythm and dancing to it.”
Cheers to your rhythm and dancing to it 🥂
With best wishes,
Atty. Stela or simply, Stela
