Finding Balance

After a crazy and pretty stressful week it was definitely nice to be able to get in a couple of rides this weekend. The weather was a little on the cool side, low 40’s Saturday and low 50’s today, but that’s what leather and full face helmets are for right?! I knew as I reflected back on the week and how I had reacted in certain situations, that I definitely needed to ride and get my thoughts and life back in balance.

Saturday’s ride was longer and all about just trying to clear my mind and get refocused. There were no big revelations or aha moments, just simply enjoying the ride and the time alone with no pressures of anyone waiting on me or expecting me to do anything at any specific time. Saturdays are traditionally our laid back day for us to do what we want, then hubby often grills out at night. Ever since I can remember, we have tried to keep Saturdays as our day. This week, that meant he enjoyed helping his dad and I enjoyed riding after getting caught up on some unfinished work at home.

Today’s ride was shorter, because I wanted to watch the Probowl football game and was fixing dinner for my youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. It was still a very relaxing ride, after a bit of a rough start though.

Do you ever have days where things just seem to be “off” or out of balance? My ride today started that way. Shortly after I headed out, I found I was tensed up and not “feeling” the ride. I soon realized after awkwardly making a tight right turn that I needed to get relaxed and find that balance or go home, which was not gonna happen without getting in a ride first. I concluded that my unrelaxed riding was due to feeling too stiff and confined. I had put on my neck warmer and realized that with my face shield down and my neck warmer on it was making me feel very confined and almost claustrophobic. I quickly loosened my neck warmer and put my face shield up then all was good again, things felt back in balance. If only it was always that easy to regain balance in life.

This got me thinking back to how I found balance prior to learning to ride. For me being able to get alone has always been an important part of that process. As a child, I would go for walks, climb trees, or ride my bicycle. As a teenager and young adult it was hiking, listening to music at home or in my car, going snowmobiling or horseback riding, and simply tuning out the rest of the world. I realize now that when I probably needed the most balance in life, when I was raising my boys, I didn’t have that alone time to keep balanced. If you’re reading this and are at the stage of life where you are raising children/grandchildren, don’t do what I did. Make sure you find a way to have the time needed to keep yourself balanced, however that looks for you. They say hindsight is 20/20 and it’s so true. If only I knew then what I know now!

Even God made time to rest:

Genesis 2:2

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

I realized more than ever this past week how important it is that we carefully balance what we eat and drink as well. My mom had another health issue arise and she now has to balance the right amount of salt and fluid intake daily. Growing up I’ve always been aware of the problems with getting too much salt, but the thought of getting too much fluid was never a concern really for me.

My problem has almost always been not getting enough fluid. I don’t really like to drink water so I rely on my morning coffee, 100% fruit juice, unsweetened tea, and vinegar/honey water. Although fruit juice is good, its also high in natural sugar so that’s another concern. How in the world do we find balance when it comes to our diets? There are so many studies out there that it makes it even more confusing instead of less.

I came home today from riding and ordered myself a fruit infuser water bottle so we’ll see how that goes for the fluid/sugar balance. I’ve been reading a lot this week about different fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can help with different conditions when used in an infuser. Maybe with real fruit/vegetables/ herbs in the water it will make it more desirable and also keep me from having too much sugar by drinking all of the juices like I have been. Gotta start somewhere 😀. If anyone has tips to share feel free to leave them in the comments.

Well it’s time to balance my schedule and get finished fixing dinner so I’m signing off for now. I hope you all have a great week ahead!

Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Ephesians 5:15-16