A Summer of Self Care

When you own your own business - and especially when that business involves proposal deadlines and deliverables, there can be a lot of pressure to work nonstop. Moving from one set of deadlines straight on to the next can create a pressure that builds and builds. That building pressure amplifies when you know that your next paycheck is only going to come if you're out there hustling.

This year though, I set a goal of figuring out how I envision balance.

Work-life balance is overwhelming the zeitgeist a bit these days. It's all over women's groups, publications, and seeping into every conversation. Other than pedicures and spa days, what does it really mean?

To me, creating your work-life balance means building the life that you want to lead. The kind of life that means you aren't too stressed out to enjoy your victories, and you aren't too chilled out to fuel depression spirals.

For me, that's worked out to working when I can, but taking full advantage of those days I don't have to. Recently this meant packing up a bag with a magazine and book, buying an iced coffee, and heading out to the park for the morning. It wasn't a huge break in my week, but it helped me take a breath, relax, and enjoy the world around me. I made friends with a local dog, got through my book club pick, and felt the sun on my skin.

Taking those moments out of my days (weeks, months) gives me the fuel I need to push hard to meet a proposal deadline in less than a month. It gives me the energy to sit in front of a computer screen even when I don't want to, because I know I need to do the work.

For you, self care may look entirely different. It might be about getting a drink with friends, checking out a museum, calling your bestie. It doesn't really matter what it looks like. It's about how it makes you feel.

I'll keep you posted on how my balance continues!

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