Words & Banter

Finding Balance … With A Traffic Light?


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


I know everyone's always trying to find balance in their life, but I've really been struggling with it as there always seems to be so much going on between Red & Black, Mom, the girls, the list is seemingly endless.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


And, as I am a die-hard workaholic that admits to not having a life, you think I have the answer?


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


Excellent point. Never mind.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


However, I do have some suggestions … if you do not mind, "Do as I say, not as I do."


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


At this point, I'll take whatever help I can get.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


Sometimes you just need to make a conscious effort to stay present. And, by that I mean appreciate what is happening now instead of thinking about what is next. Or, reminiscing about the past.


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


That sounds good, but it also sounds overly simplistic, not to mention highly optimistic. And where would I even start?


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


Easy. It really is as simple as 1 – 2 – 3.


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


Nothing's that simple.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


1. SLOW down and look around
2. STOP using your gizmo and consider putting it away
3. GO interact with people (safely, of course) or just steal some "alone time"


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


Actually, that does sound simple. Now I just have to remember to SLOW – STOP – GO.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


Maybe you just need to imagine a traffic light. Plus, it would have the added benefit of every time you see a real traffic light it will remind you to SLOW – STOP – GO.


Red's HeadRed assets.rebelmouse.io


I should've known there'd be a car or driving analogy in there somewhere.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io


Throttle on ...
Photo by Walter Bibikow on Alamy
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Design by Sawyer Pennington, Underlying photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

To say that this summer has been hot is an understatement, but summer has always been a season to enjoy longer days, the slower pace, and summer eating. And just because we’re being bombarded with pumpkin-flavored everything, indicating Fall’s just around the corner, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the summer way of life.

When the summer started, Red struggled to balance the feeling that she should be getting more done with the “extra hours” vs. wanting to enjoy more leisure time. Of course, Black couldn’t resist pointing out,

There are 24 hours in a day, regardless of season. The extra daylight makes you feel like you have more hours. Regardless, summer is a great time to rethink how you spend those “extra” hours.

So, even though the calendar may indicate we only have a few weeks left of summer, it’s not too late to think about summer hours … and how you can adjust your mindset. Which can last, well, forever.

To read our full conversation, which includes Black suggestion of possibly doing a cookbook (was she serious or merely being her typical sarcastic self?), click here.