Can you guess what Evie had for lunch?
$5 to the person who guessed macaroni and cheese.
After three matches, three videos, no photos, and three pins (one, unfortunately, was Ben), Ben emerged in second place for the 140-pound weight class. He was a little disappointed, but he wrestled well, finished 13-2 for the season, and we were mighty proud. Now, a week or two breather, and then track season begins!
As for me . . .
I had an epiphany this week about my journey for balance in my life.
I can't articulate this breakthrough. I've been sitting here trying to phrase it. I can't find the words. I've written and deleted repeatedly, and nothing seems to work.
I changed my quote/focus below my header. Did you notice? Good old Will seems to have summed up my January.
I will continue to work on balancing my life, my strengths and weaknesses.
I will continue to work on balancing my life, my strengths and weaknesses.
I will continue to set goals and strive towards that elusive balance of self and others, friends and family, work and play.
I will cease updating weekly. Be assured I am still working at it. But too much self-improvement . . . is too much. It's making me grumpy and dissatisfied with my life, and most importantly, with myself.
It's created an imbalance in my focus just by its very nature--Is this balanced? Is it not? I need to pull back and reevaluate a little--try a little perspective on the changes I've made and let the dust settle for a while.
Hope that's enough explanation.
Have you been thinking about a link for tomorrow? Here was the original prompt:
We as women are bombarded with images of what perfection should look like. And, if you're anything like me, it doesn't appear when looking in the mirror.
I spent a good ten minutes staring in the mirror, trying to look past all the flaws and imperfections and issues I wrestle with every day. I wanted to really SEE myself. It took me close to five minutes to decide on one facial feature that I consider quite beautiful.
Here's the challenge:
Straight after a shower or after you've washed your face, take some time to really look at that woman in the mirror. What do you see that's beautiful? Ignore or re-evaluate those things that have always bugged or challenged you. What is your singular, personal element of beauty? Is it skin, ears, hair? Is it wisdom or humor or understanding in your eyes? We all have one thing that not only makes us individuals. That one thing makes us beautiful. What is yours and why?
I can't wait to hear what you've discovered about yourself.
Yes, trying to balance can trip you up. BUT I think you are on the perfect track.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Ben. Not bad at all.
And track season too?
I remember those days of kids activities and stuff. I'm tired thinking about it.
Hmmmm - I'll try to think of something for the link-up - but at this stage 'adequate' rather than 'beautiful' is more like it!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be doing well with keeping things in balance - I don't think life ever really balances out - my mother would say that only fools would think so - but you have a handle on it and as long as you can enjoy what you're doing most of the time, I believe you're on the right track.
I think I get it. Too much focus on balancing yourself can unbalance you.
ReplyDeleteLove it. Life is so interesting.
And I think you're right on.
=)
PS. I will play tomorrow.
Ahh, that second place pill we all swallow at some point. What always surprises me though, is that with it comes so many more lessons and growth. Have a great week Jen.
ReplyDeleteDana
It's as if trying to balance put you on a tight-rope. I think we have a bit more leeway than that. Your family is extremely lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteGood job, Ben! Sounds like a successful season to me. What's he going to do in track?
ReplyDeleteAs to the microscope you've put yourself under-I'm so glad you're giving yourself a break! I hope you find that simply by being more aware of the need for balance you are walking in the right direction. Every day is an opportunity to try again. By the nature of life I don't think it's possible to have perfect balance.
And for tomorrow-you always throw us a loop & manage to strike a nerve-don't ya? Your question strikes at the heart of most women's insecurities, or perhaps most peoples. But, I'll play, just cause I love ya!
I was going to guess mac and cheese...do you have my address?!
ReplyDeleteEvie is so cute...always sporting her fancy shmancy headbands...what a doll!
Congrats to Ben...that's really a great record.
As far as tomorrow's link party...I'm not so sure about his one! You and your crazy ideas...makes me think too hard! :)
I've come to realize with myself, is that part of the balancing act is embracing the flaws and imperfections that might throw you off balance. I know that sounds a little weird - but i'm SO not good at articulating my thoughts/feelings.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I miss your family!
Sometimes it's easier to do well and feel balanced when we don't think about it too much - otherwise all we can think about is how we're going to lose our balance any minute. So I think you're on the right track.
ReplyDeleteBen had a great season - he should be proud, and he's still got time for that first place down the road. He's a success in my book!
See you tomorrow...
THOSE EYES!
ReplyDeleteBusy Ben is like his busy mom- see the Dentons go, go Dentons go, balance Dentons balance, see them balance. Life is frequently like a Dick & Jane book.
ReplyDelete