As collective we strive for something called happiness. We access happiness in different methods. But, are they always successful? Do we always feel fulfilled when we have sought happiness? Personally, I felt happiness needed to be gained by change. Following graduate school, I went on a mission for change. I changed my hair (not too drastically, still had a comfort zone), I changed my job and I changed my zip code. Once the change stopped, I began the comfort of a routine. I thought I fulfilled my happiness. Everyday was work, sleeping and watching a lot of television. I kept reinforcing to myself that this was “self-care” that I deserve to sleep into the afternoon and I deserve this television binge. And when we feel busy, we do deserve these days, but I kept equating these days to happiness. The idea of happiness was becoming more narrow and I was losing balance.

If your feel like me, I would like to begin this exploration of happiness. I will not say achievement because everyday we cannot reach full enlightenment, and that is okay. I want to highlight balance. How can we balance our feelings to include happiness? We may feel the need to watch a lighthearted show to lift our spirits. But, let us tap in and check in after a binge. Let's maybe try to move our bodies in an indoor or accessible outdoor space. Let's check in with a loved one and make a plan, something to count on in the future. Let's check in with our mental and physical health. Do you have an annual appointment that is approaching the 2-year mark? Let's mark that in our calendar. Have a therapist that you lost in touch with? Let's check back in and explore our options.

I will be moving forward to work on my balance. I will return to balance in the near future and will let you know my progress. Please share your thoughts and your current start or progress with balance!