Sometimes our balance comes from taking a break from life as we know it. There’s nothing quite like going far away to get some perspective. As many of you know, I recently returned from Japan.

This past spring, I was thrilled and honored by the invitation from JALO (Japan Association of Life Organizers) President, Mayumi Takahara to give two presentations and participate in a panel for the 2014 JALO conference in Yokohama. My ICD colleague, Vickie Dellaquila was also invited to present and we had the joy of being there together along with our husbands.

JALO has an amazing group of people. They are warm, gracious, and fun! I loved sharing my expertise and learning about organizing challenges in Japan. It was an extraordinary trip and I’m so grateful to Mayumi for offering me this opportunity.

Prior to leaving, my balance was way off due to competing demands and responsibilities. During the trip my balance continued to teeter as I adjusted to a new culture for almost two weeks and time zone (14 hours ahead.) Even still, it felt normal and positive being off balance as I experienced the new sights, sounds, scents, tastes, places, people, and things.

There were a few things that I observed while away. There was a wonderful mix of serenity, organization, and humor in the Japanese culture. My husband and I traveled to three cities- Yokohama, Kyoto, and Tokyo. In each place we found peaceful spots like trickling water fountains, gardens, and temples. Organization showed up in many areas such as the excellent train systems. And humor appeared when you least expected it with interesting architectural details, funny advertisements, or oversized anime characters (live or as statues).

Some things I loved included:

• Heated toilet seats
• Heated train seats
• Right-sized furniture (for the under 5’ set)
• Deep bathtubs with armrests
• Friendly people
• Excellent sound and visual systems
• Cleanliness (the cleanest country I’ve ever visited)
• Beautiful displays
• Right-sized portions (always felt well fed, but never stuffed)
• Gorgeous landscapes
• Interesting architecture
• Wonderful signage
• Sparkly lights
• Easy to understand train systems
• No tipping
• Service-oriented culture
• Creative organization in unexpected places (with hotel toiletries, supplies, and snacks) integration of design and function everywhere

As this year comes to a close and the winter season arrives, I’m focused on restoring balance. My routines for work and sleep aren’t quite back to normal. It’s a great opportunity to rethink what worked, let go of what didn’t, and move forward in a balanced, purposeful way.

How are you doing this season? Are you thinking about balance and change? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation. 

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

— Albert Einstein

We’re all at different stages with our families. Some of us have kids and others have none. Some have young and some have adult children. Some live close by while others live far away from our families. All families go through transitions and changes of varying magnitudes. There are marriages, births, divorces, moves and deaths. There are joyful times and challenging ones.

We don’t always notice the changes because we’re living them. Sometimes we feel the tumult and haven’t assimilated the movement these shifts create.

With the many changes our family has experienced in the last bunch of years including becoming empty nesters, family moving away, and loss of loved ones, my family has become even more essential for me.

I’m not only grateful for my family, but also realize how much they ground me. They play a significant role in helping me feel balanced. Whether my family is near or far, whether they are living or have passed on, they are part of me. They are with me wherever I go.

What brings balance to your life? Come join the conversation and share your thoughts.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”

— Ernestine Ulmer

It’s been a busy bunch of months. I know I’m not alone in this. Life is full. We can easily become overwhelmed with our mounds of to dos and limited time to accomplish our goals and commitments. While in general, I’m pretty good at this balancing dance, lately it’s been more challenging with many competing demands on my time.

Last week, I took a mini break from other projects and commitments to focus on preparing for Thanksgiving. It’s a favorite holiday of ours that we love to host. I scheduled prep time so that I could enjoy the doing as much as the actual event.

The day before Thanksgiving, our younger daughter, Cassie surprised us by arriving home early. To my delight, we got to spend the whole day together baking, chopping, and preparing for the feast. While working we listened to music, talked, and laughed.

Baking and cooking was something I always did with our girls growing up. It was a special time to connect, relax, and learn. What an interesting lesson to be reminded of in the midst of the frenzy I’d been experiencing. The familiar, love-filled act of baking pies together was not only joyful, but balance restoring.

What simple things help restore your balance? Come join our conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We are wonderfully human beings. Sometimes we listen well to internal and external input, and sometimes we don’t.  There are a few essential ingredients for improving your listening skills. Do any of these resonate with you?

Quiet

There are times we just can’t hear because there is too much noise or clutter within and without. This can be mind clutter, physical clutter, or actual sounds. Our focus becomes distracted by the chaos. To improve your ability to “hear,” find a quiet space with no interruptions. Close your eyes. Quiet your mind. Let it wander until your voice is audible.

Pause

When we’re over-the-top-busy, running from place to place, appointment-to-appointment, it’s more challenging to listen to those around us. We’re distracted by our “to do” lists, errands, and next things, and find it difficult to slow ourselves down long enough to have relaxed conversations. Take a pause. Acknowledge the frenzy. Breathe deeply. Taking a break will improve your listening skills.

Sleep

When we deprive ourselves of enough sleep, our concentration decreases rapidly. Being able to listen well requires focus and concentration. Getting more sleep will have a positive effect on your ability to listen.

What are you listening for? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.