Sick and Tired of Being Out Of Balance?

It is astounding how often it seems people are in need of balance in their lives. The need is usually expressed as, “I need more life-work balance,” or “I am exhausted from all I have to do for others.” Regardless of the words used, it is truly coming from feeling over-spent and under-nurtured. It springs from a need to fill some sort of void. This exhaustion is a common issue for the people I work with, and they cannot understand why it’s that way or more importantly, how to change it. They are overwhelmed by their circumstances, and can’t see where or how to make changes so they can achieve the balance they strive for.

 

Worried black businesswoman at desk

 

I began today as I do everyday, by requesting that what I need to see today will be revealed to me. It’s a quiet little prayer I say, reaching deep into my soul and heart. I opened my eyes, I stood up, walked to my bookshelf and impulsively chose a book that I had not yet read – my favorite game of chance – then I just opened it to a random page.  It was the perfect section to read, and I wanted to share the incredible truth that Kody Bateman shared in her book, Promptings. From pages 107 and 108 –

 

Promptings Author Kody Bateman – Founder of “Send Out Cards” – “The Aha Moment!”

 

At one of her pedicure appointments, Jodi had a real “aha” moment. An older woman on oxygen walked into the salon. She was with a younger woman, her daughter. Jodi watched as they both receive a pedicure.  She noticed how much the older woman enjoyed it.  She noticed how grateful the older woman was to her daughter for bringing her there and to the woman who was providing such an amazing service.

Jodi watched this and realized it probably took this old woman a lifetime to figure out it was OK to be pampered and taken care of.  It was OK to take care of herself.  She also thought that paying for two pedicures might be a stretch for the young daughter.

Acting on a prompting, Jodi paid their bill and asked for it to remain anonymous.  When the mother and daughter went to leave, the patrons of the salon told them the bill had already been paid.  The daughter could not believe it.  In fact, she insisted that her bill had not been paid and could not imagine anyone would do this for them.

Jodi watched this interaction.  She noticed the daughter was a nurturer.  She was caring for her ailing mother.  It was hard for the daughter to receive an act of kindness because she was so busy giving acts of kindness. This is what Jodi had been caught up in for so many years.  Jodi decided then and there that she would be more accepting of other people’s acts of service.  She realized that balance between self and others also included accepting the flow between giving and receiving.  She learned those who maintain balance between self and others are givers and receivers.  Being good at both is essential to keeping the infinite law of energy alive.

As mother and daughter were leaving, they looked around the salon to see if they could figure out who had done this for them, Jodi looked down at her newly pedicured feet and smiled. ~ end of quote.

 

Something that I have always taught, is all things are complete with the full cycle. This is to say, giving cannot exist without receiving. When you interrupt the cycle in your own life by giving and never receiving, or always receiving and never giving, you are the one that is blocking the flow. Open your eyes and your heart, and find both the receiver and giver within. It’s not only ok; it is necessary to be both, giver and receiver.  

 

My sincere hope is that you will receive and give love, time, and simple acts of kindness to yourself and others throughout all the days of your life.

 

3 Comments

  1. Lisa Hendrix on January 8, 2014 at 8:24 am

    Belanie,
    So funny that you sent this today and even funnier that I took the time this morning to read it! (I usually do not read anything first thing in the morning). I had this thought this morning as I was getting ready for work that I have not been the type of person who makes the effort in a relationship. When I read your newsletter, it went right along with what I was thinking. I have gotten better at receiving, but need to give more! Thanks for the heads up that I have some work to do! I am a balanced giver and receiver!!

  2. Joyce Brown on January 8, 2014 at 9:55 am

    So needed today!!! Thanks for your insights and love, J

    • Belanie Dishong on December 16, 2023 at 3:41 pm

      Hello Lisa,
      It is wonderful to see you in this stream and so appreciate. you taking the time to reply. It’s each to come off balance and not even realize what is happening. I glad it served you and that you take the action of giving more. And it would be nice to see you sometime.
      My Best, Belanie.

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