Bringing Order to Your Life When Life Pulls You Out of Balance

When we live in a state of equanimity, chaos gives way to order and the pieces of our lives fall naturally into place.

Does your life look like a jigsaw puzzle left scattered on the floor?

We’ve all been there.

Start with the corners. Identify what anchors you. Build the framework. Group like pieces together.

Once you have a game plan, isn’t it easier to move forward?

Lately, many of us have been pulled out of balance, and we are wearing even more hats than we did before. I have been hearing from some who find it challenging to navigate their new reality. They have shared that their families feel stressed, overwhelmed, unorganized, or all of these combined.

There are, however, many positive and inspiring stories coming to light in spite of the spread of the coronavirus. Families and communities are coming together in wonderful ways.

Still, suddenly shifting roles and changing family dynamics can leave many of us feeling like our lives have been upended.

I relate those out-of-control feelings to a scene where, amidst all the scattered pieces, we are trying to find just the right one – something that connects – to create a momentum swing that will bring a sense of order to the mess.

If these changing times are leaving you feeling a little frantic or stretched too thin, try these action steps to restore order in your household:

Foster healthy communication: Allow those in your home and your inner circle the opportunity to share their honest feelings. Everyone needs to feel heard and understood even if you all feel differently and have various opinions about what to do. Consider asking each other these questions:

·       What is going well for you?

·       How do you feel?

·       What are your current challenges?

·       Is there anything you want to change?

·       What do you want to accomplish?

Create a game plan that can be adapted as needed: A common misconception is that everyone comes together, formulates a game plan, and they think their work is complete. Life is fluid. Your game plan has to be able to be adapted and updated, too.

Simplify: We tend to take on more than we can manage. Are you and/or your family overcommitted? It might be time to say, “goodbye” to the excess.

Take self-care seriously: What have you done for yourself lately? Self-care is like throwing yourself a life raft. It is self-preservation and not a selfish act. Allow space for everyone in your household to de-stress. This means giving them space in two ways: the physical space to be alone if that is what they need and space on the calendar that is designated for free time to play, read, get outside, or do whatever is most nourishing for them. 

Celebrate! Cheer yourself on and those around you. Celebrate what all you are doing well. Many of us have jumped right in and adjusted to a world that has rapidly changed since we first learned about COVID-19. Applaud that.

Remember, if you focus on the basics during times when everything around you is constantly changing, it will be easier to handle all of the moving parts. Pieces will come together, and order will be restored. There is much you can control. Take advantage of that!