Balancing Your Life

Back in July I wrote about thinking of your life as divided into six spokes on a wheel. In Chart Your Life, there must be balance among these areas of your life. In doing so, a 'well-rounded' wheel or 'life' rolls much easier, gains momentum and is efficient. Your life benefits from having all six areas in tune. But it takes work to achieve this balance.

Those six areas of life are;

• Physical and Health
• Mental and Emotional
• Spiritual and Moral
• Family and Home
• Social and Cultural
• Financial and Career

Recently I wrote about the area of your physical well-being and health. In coming articles I will write about each of the spokes. Giving you my take on them and giving you the opportunity to make a decision for your life.

“If we put the emphasis upon the right things, if we live the life that is worth while and then fail, we will survive all disasters, we will out-live all misfortune. We should be so well balanced and symmetrical, that nothing which could ever happen could throw us off our center, so that no matter what misfortune should overtake us, there would still be a whole magnificent man or woman left after being stripped of everything else.” - Orison Swett Marden

Healthy Attitude

Today I decided to work on one of the spokes of my life regarding health. My health centers on high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A visit to my doctor for a check up is one step in trying to stay on top of both issues. In previous articles, the spoke of health is necessary to maintain a balanced life. All of us had, have or will have health issues to deal with. It comes down to you and when you make the decision to address them.

Like many other folks, I have a hectic work life, busy family and just 'stuff' going on all the time. It can be very easy to neglect one's health when feeling good. In fact, I can be very reactive to my health as opposed to proactive. I'm not sure where that comes from knowing that in my line of work, being proactive is the best thing you can do.

Yet I live in a reactive world, I work in a reactive job, while struggling to set goals and visions. To be certain, it is one's health that will tend to get the short end of our reactive lives. Credit does go to those that can maintain a healthy life. But for many of us that struggle to work out this area of our life is difficult. The thing health professionals will tell you is to simply realize that good health is important.

Many may sarcastically think, "wow, that is an earth-shaking statement!" But many of us tend to forget how important good health actually is. When feeling good, what need is there for concern. The same goes for your mind, soul, spirit, job, family, attitude or any of the other facets of life. Each must be nurtured to keep it in good shape and to keep the wheel of your life in balance.

Good health is important to that balance, so keep it important in your life. As Thomas Fuller wrote, “health is not valued till sickness comes.” Work to maintain the spoke of good health, it will help you in the other areas of your life. A healthy body and a healthy mind for a healthy attitude.

WTC In Memory

The world as we knew it changed on September 11, 2001 - a day that not only changed for Americans but for all people that value life and reason. For a moment in time, people stood still trying to understand what depth of evil could lay in the hearts of a few.

On September 11, 2001 there were 2,749 innocent people that lost their lives. From the World Trade Center to the Pentagon and finally to those brave passengers on Flight 93, people that arose that morning full of life were cut short.

Many around the world experience and continue to experience horrible acts of a despicable nature. Those that do these things will claim it to be in the name of their God or for a belief that they fervently live by. For all that know and live life with the understanding of our fellow man, it is different now.

The evil that lives in those that would choose to destroy others must be understood and put down. A world that changed is one that each of us must work to make better. In small ways, in small steps, all that you do to make it better is an honor to the innocent lives through out history.

Persevere and continue to move forward. Take time today to reflect, to remember and then go and do something good for another person. Live so that the memory of others will go on. For that memory, never forget.

Five Bad Attitudes

With the wrong type of attitude, you can pretty much guarantee non-success in your life. An article by Yvonne Finn discusses five attitudes that will help you avoid being successful. I list them here but encourage you to read the article for her take on each attitude.

1. Be cynical and skeptical of everything and everyone.

2. In Business be quick to jump from one opportunity to the next without giving any one a reasonable amount of time and effort for success.

3. Never take responsibility for your own failures, it is always someone or something outside of your control.

4. Give the impression that you know everything and belittle other people's ideas, opinions and contributions to projects and your life and success.

5. Always take full credit for successful ventures.

I could add commentary to most any of these. But I do believe you will recognize why these are not good attitudes to embrace. Be a person of great attitude and see success come your way.