A Balancing Act that Matters

A few weeks ago, I set out to in search for apps to help me find work-life balance. Knowing that I was not too keen on using apps to manage my life. I had foreseen challenges which had proven to be true for me. I enjoyed the mindfulness apps, but time management in the form of an app seemed unrealistic for me, as a new mom. What am I supposed to do...change a diaper or go about timing myself? Priorities do change! :)

As I progressed through the weeks my understanding of balance evolved, and I began to embrace my change in life. Your life really does change after having a child in ways you really don’t understand before they arrive. It’s rewarding in so many ways but challenging in other ways that you learn to exercise kindness towards yourself and appreciate your new found identity. Negal Marsh, who did a TEDx Talk in Sydney, once said that you can find work-life balance through ‘meaningful engagement’ at work. (Marsh, 2011)

​This really made me think about Maslow’s hierarchy of need, where there are levels we go through in order to self-actualize. Our basic needs need to be fulfilled and once these are addressed, we can truly demonstrate our potential. My work at the moment is being a mom. It’s meaningful in so many ways that no app would help me understand its weight.

In reality it’s up to me to maintain a balance that would work for me. I’ve learned to embrace the challenge through mindfulness. If I was to recommend an app it would be Headspace. Not only was it easy to use but realivant. I started off with 6 apps, but I end this blog with a valuable lesson of what it means to take a moment...both in appreciation of my growth as an individual, but also of those around me. My balance is truly an act that will take time, but I want to cherish these moments since everyday is a new day for all of us.
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need

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Sources:
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McLeod, S. (2018). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved August 12, 2018, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

​Marsh, N. (2011, February 07). How to make work-life balance work. Retrieved August 9, 2018, from https://youtu.be/jdpIKXLLYYM

Time Management Skills. (2014). Retrieved August 6, 2018, from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/time-management.html

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