You know the old saying, “All work and no play makes John a dull boy.”  Even when you love work, work is work.  It is possible to lose your balance.  And  contacting your core of happiness is dependent on a healthy balance of work and play, light tension and relaxation.

If you find yourself in moments of frustration or irritation, this may be a sign for you to check around you.

Describe how you have spent your recent days

•  Who have you spoken to?
• Are your thoughts heavy? Are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?
• Are you worried about the future? about the past? Have you momentarily lost your connection with the present?
• How many hours have you sat in front of the TV? the computer? What did you feel?
• What did you do to express yourself? How did you feel?
• What were you thinking that made you feel sad? irritated? frustrated?

Once you get a report on what has taken place in the last day or two, you will begin to see the balance or lack of balance that only you have control over.  Take a breath.  If you have been out of balance, try one of the following.

• Play catch with your dog.
• Play Words with Friends
• Send your family a homemade gift even though it is not the holidays, a birthday, anniversary, etc. Send a gift for no reason at all! You’ll feel better.  It’s like magic!
• Take a walk and if you have a dog take your dog along. See how many flowers you can name. Bring your camera along and take pictures to share with your family and friends when you get back.
• Go to the park.
• Find a few friends and play Settlers of Cattan.
• Take a shovel and dig in the garden.
• Rearrange your closet and get rid of the things you can’t wear anymore.
• Watch a funny movie.

Most of all, if you have been a little down lately, chances are you have not been that good to yourself. Once you give yourself a break and balance out, your natural inclination will turn back to well-being and happiness.

Peace.

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