Finding A Balance

by Elizabeth
(CEO of Writing to Inspire)

Writing, like all things in life, requires finding a balance. Balance between writing and life, between family and self, between right and left brain, between income and creativity.

Without the balance, part of what makes us happy and part of what makes us successful will be lost. For a while there may be the enjoyment, the buzz, the knowledge that you are moving forward, but sooner or later there will also be the knowledge or realisation that things are not really going where you wanted them to.

For many years, when life got busy I would struggle to focus on my writing. I would imagine the delights of moving into a country cottage, just by myself – no family, no phone, no set meal times, no alarm clocks, no distractions. On some days it was all that kept me sane, but then one day I had a realisation. If I moved into a peaceful cottage, lived by myself as a hermit devoting each day to writing and myself, I would soon run out of things to write about. Why? It was the everyday living, the hustle and bustle and the little daily conflicts that gave me something to write, that triggered my emotions, sparked my creativity, and inspired thoughts. It still is.

Life has to be all about balance; writing has to be all about balance. How much you need of each to create the perfect balance is dependent on your needs and your lifestyle. As far as my cottage is concerned a long weekend twice a year and regular quality time at home has been enough to keep me sane, writing, and part of a happy and loving family.

For others it might mean writing in the evening when everybody is doing their own thing, it might mean spending one entire day each week writing, or it might mean a little compromise with those in your life. Like I say, we and those around us all have individual requirements when it comes to finding a balance, however the main thing is that you find it. Don’t put your dreams off because you think you are being selfish, but don’t force others to put off theirs because you are.