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Hello and welcome! I am honoured to have you join me! Here we are, mid-way through summer. In the Okanagan where I live it is absolutely beautiful; hot and sunny most days, it is really refreshing to take a swim in the lakes.

My son bought a speed boat this summer, and it's been wonderful kneeboarding, tubing and playing in the water and at the beaches with my granddaughter, sons and family. As I write this we are blessed with a cooler day and some rain- the hills rejoice! And it reminds me of the need for balance. If we have all sunny days and no rain, we are in danger of the forest fires like last year. A little rain cools the planet and feeds the plants, allowing us to enjoy this beautiful outdoors more. It's also a nice bonus to feel the cooler air, the raindrops on my skin instead of the heat. A couple cooler days balances off all the hot sunny ones- notice I said a couple, not equal days of rain and sun! And that makes me think about balance- what it is and how it plays out in my life.

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life balance, being balanced in body, mind and soul, eating a balanced meal, balancing work, play and learning. But what does it really mean? When I ask my clients what balance means to them, most have no idea initially, and find it a good exercise to reflect on. For some it means spending more time with family and/or fun and less time on work, for others it means starting a physical activity. For some it means doing some emotional healing, for others starting a spiritual path. The truth is, we are all individuals, and we each have our unique definition of what balance is. If we take the time to ask ourselves what a balanced life looks like, we'll find the answer. Or we'll at least be shown what is not in balance so we can start there!

I lived a large part of my life out of balance. As a mother, daughter, wife, many times I let my needs go to take care of others. Later when the boys left home I let my job consume my life, letting go of the things I knew were good for me because I was 'too tired'. First went the exercise, then my eating got off track, then I stopped meditating, stopped socializing and having fun and isolated myself. It was a cycle of overwhelm, then frustration, then isolation, leading to depression. Now that's a life really out of balance, I wasn't taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually! It was a huge wake-up call to me that I needed to make some major lifestyle changes if I wanted a fulfilling life, and for that I am truly grateful.

As I was recovering from my depression, I started taking care of my body, mind and spirit. As I started leading a more balanced life, I was amazed at the overlap- how when I do something for my physical self for instance, it benefits me in the other areas. Running for example is an exercise for my physical body that has ripple effects mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. Running down a trail and seeing a deer or the sunset is spiritual, filling my heart with gratitude, emotionally I sometimes start out feeling upset about something, then find my mind clears as I run through the situation and come to understanding, mentally I often work out my agenda for the week, or what my newsletter article will be on or other business items. What I eat affects me physically, mentally and emotionally, which in turn affects me spiritually. What I think creates my emotions which in turn create my actions and results. A good reminder if I am to be healthy in all ways, I need to take care of all parts of me.

Are you paying attention to all parts of your life? Is there an area that needs improvement- career, finances, recreation/fun, family, relationships, personal/spiritual development, environment or physical health? If your life is in balance, congratulations! If it is not, take a look at where you're at- what could you do to improve your situation? If you are uncertain, this is where I can help, contact me for a free consultation. Change doesn't have to be big. Do one thing to improve one area of your life and you create more balance. Enjoy the life we are meant to live, a life of prosperity and abundance in all areas! Cheers to you!

~ Wen Tzu Classic

This section is reserved for articles, pictures, quotes or whatever contributed by readers.

Tricia Pearce, from etc.marketing, has a hot new going-to-be-annual Women's Weekend event planned for October 22-24, Divas in the Wild. It promises to be a fun weekend, the motto is: Live, Love, Laugh-- and that is exactly what they say you will experience on this 'diva weekend of inspiration, relaxation, revitalization, and just plain old fun!'

Knowing the high calibre of Tricia's work, I'm sure the weekend will exceed your expectations! For more info, check out their website. Thanks for letting us know, Tricia. Wishing you great success!

"Living life in alignment with my values is a new concept for me," says Davena Tarkanen, founder of the online store, CAT-alog.com. "After spending my life working for others, I enjoy the flexibility of working in my own business. It gives me the opportunity to live life in balance, although I don't always achieve it!"

Davena, who is also an awesome web designer, is in the process of designing a web site for "Maverick Cat Coalition" free of charge. "This is a way that I can give back to the community that is totally in alignment with my values," she says. Great work Davena- giving back is a great way to maintain balance and live a rich full life. Another website she developed is this site!

I am Norma Reid, a Certified Executive Coach, and owner of From Dreams to Reality Success Coaching. My dream is to help you fulfill your professional and personal dreams and live the rich, full life you are meant to! If you need some help in creating more balance in your life, or connecting with your vision, values or purpose, call me for a sample coaching session.

Thank you once again for letting me share part of your journey with you. Until next time, enjoy the incredible wonder and beauty this time of year blesses us with! If you haven't taken the time to play lately, add some playtime to your daytimer and your life! Let your spirit soar and make it incredible!

More info on Norma... »

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