Roxilla

see, nothing to it!

I’m not sure what’s changed exactly. I am still working full-time and freelancing on the side. I am still trying to juggle work, friends, family and me time. I am still prone to the odd stressed out day even. And yet, somehow this month things feel easier, and I’m not only staying on top of my game, I’m also managing to fit Muaythai and more fun into my schedule.

On that Life’s a Journey show on SABC3 on Wednesday they focused on balance, and how achieving this is essential to stay energetic and happy in our busy lives. Ironically, one of the segments was on Dragon Power, and the Chong brothers, focusing on Colin Moss and how Muaythai keeps him grounded and happy. He’s a bit of a twat, and I laughed hard at him doing roundhouse kicks (ok, I’m sure he’s still way better than me but still – kak funny). The point that Winston made was so true though – if you develop respect for yourself, you will be able to respect others, and martial arts is one of the best ways to get fit as well as develop a greater sense of self. Having just come back from class, it was so cool to see that and it really rang true for me at this point!

A huge part of balance for me is keeping work from taking over my life. As any freelancer knows (especially those who have day jobs too) it can be all too easy to work yourself into burnout. Saying no is very hard, but it is SO important to set boundaries and learn to not take on more than you can deal with. If you are taking on too much, firstly your work quality suffers, and secondly, your life suffers. Obviously my increase helped and made it possible to draw the line, but it’s such a relief to be at the point where I have one or two great clients with longish term contracts, who bring in just enough work to keep me in Patron but not so much that it takes over my life.

So, what I have managed to do from the start of this month is set a work schedule. I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays (if there is not so much work, then even just Thursdays) and occasionally on Saturday mornings if needs be. On the other days, I will to Muaythai, go out, chillax, and do whatever else I feel like doing… but I will not do any work unless I absolutely have to. Weirdly enough, because of this schedule, I’m managing to do so much more with my time – even better, I appreciate my downtime so much more, because I can enjoy it without feeling guilty or stressed.

I am also starting to realise that things like massages and things that make me happy (yes, even shopping!) are important too. Budgeting carefully and allowing myself to enjoy little rewards makes all the hard work worthwhile, and makes it possible to do all the things I want to do.

Obviously, keeping up a heavy schedule like this makes you pretty buggered 90% of the week (for realz, getting up in the mornings is brutal!), but after a few cups of coffee and with a good multi-vit such as Pharmaton, I am actually feeling more energetic than I ever did when I was wasting time on the couch or spending hours at my laptop. The Muaythai helps too of course, but I think that when you plan a bit and get the balance right, it all just gets easier and you start living your life to the fullest.

When I need some zen boosting, I have my very own furry, purry, beautiful ginger mayhem-stirring zen booster on hand… who could ever be stressed when there’s a tummy like this to rub?

zen boosters: cuddly

Will have to see if I can keep this up long-term, but right now, I don’t think I’ve felt this good in ages! So far, I am loving the thirty, flirty and thriving thing, hehe.

How do you keep balance in your busy life?