My Personal Story About Maintaining Balance (Balance is Gorgeous!)

(SOURCE)

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton



**Many of you want to know what I was like BEFORE the onset of RSD/CRPS, so I'm trying to give you some glimpses in my writings.**

One of the most beautiful, juiciest, and practical life lessons living with and healing from a “progressive and incurable” neurological disease has taught me is that maintaining balance in all areas of my life is essential to good health and well-being. Before the onset of RSD/CRPS, the word “balance” wasn’t in my vocabulary. In fact, I lived so out of balance that I fancied myself as someone without any limits, which turned out to be that slippery slope between health and disease. Coaches and teachers adored me for my optimism concerning my abilities, which turned out to be my stupidity and ignorance concerning my limitations, drive, and dedication. When I was asked to perform a specific task, I thought, “I can do that, and I’ll raise you a this! Watch me!” I played hard, I worked hard, and I partied even harder.

The typical Type A, over-achiever can only go full throttle for so long in any area of life before productivity begins to decline along with health and wellness. It’s no surprise I ended up with a chronic condition that literally forced me to go within and be the detective that solved the over-achieving mystery. I was attempting to fill a spiritual emptiness, a low self-worth (societal and self created), and a feeling of separation with high achievement. The problem was that my achievements never filled me up or brought me joy but rather left me feeling emptier and asking myself the question, “Why don’t I feel any better?” For years, I answered that question with another goal and subsequent achievement and set the stage for a slow deterioration of mind, body, and spirit. I had to be brought to my knees before I recognized that change was necessary, and that rock bottom was a physical disease.

Now, I know that happiness comes from within not without and no amount of achievements or material possessions will ever fill an emptiness that stems from the soul. What fills me up today is love, specifically being of service to God and others in big and small ways. Balance is essential in a meaningful life, and it will look and feel different for everyone. Good sleep hygiene, exercise, a balanced plant-based diet, maintaining meaningful relationships, having a spiritual practice, being of service to others, and pursuing passions are all areas in life that when given priority can help one maintain the balance that is necessary to live a meaningful and healthy existence. A good rule of thumb I live by is that if I am lacking joy, I am lacking balance.

Happy Healing!