Work-life balance is a highly talked about subject, but have you heard of the concept of “The Circle of Life”?
I learned this concept from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. So many people think that going on one more diet will help them lose excess weight, but it’s not only calories in and calories out that are a check and balance system for weight loss. Instead, take a look at how your life is filling you up.
How satisfied are you in the following areas?
- Health
- Career
- Finances
- Home Cooked Foods
- Home Environment
- Exercise or Physical Activity
- Spirituality
- Relationships
- Social Life
- Education
- Creativity
- Joy
It’s time to look within and see what you are missing and what unfulfilling areas of your life may be leading you into temptation.
I know that when a long time goes by where I don’t see my friends, I feel like I need to find time to connect. I also feel great when I am doing something creative on a regular basis.
Lately, I have been creating personalized puppy/dog photo-masks and family photo-masks as well as fun fabric ones to sell. Creativity makes me feel good. I also started a new vision board (I create one every year). Take the time to figure out what areas you may be in need of cultivating to help you feel more balanced and whole.
I see great progress in my Health Coaching clients when the areas of life are identified and time and attention are placed toward improvement.
Below is a chart from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I attended school. I use this chart for my clients as well as myself and visit it at least quarterly. Identify my needs by placing a mark toward the inside (needs work) or outer corner (feel fulfilled).
When you are ready, do this exercise and start to really pay attention to cultivating those areas that need more care. It will act as a great barometer of sorts.
Keep in mind that it will change and your answers may look different six months, or even six weeks from now. Please mark in your calendar quarterly or at least three times a year to do this so you can live a life that feels good, loving, productive, rewarding, and a genuine expression of yourself and your true values.
You may choose to do this with a friend. therapist, spouse, or coach. Your support person may also be helpful to keep you accountable for finding more happiness through the way you want your personal vision and version of your own authentic personal “Circle of Life” to look.
