Word Of The Year: Balance

Last year with the encouragement of my friend Sue Painter I  chose a word to focus on for the upcoming year.  It was the word inspire.  And last year was definitely a year of inspiration, change, and huge personal growth.

I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to do it again.  Oddly enough it's not that easy to pick a word.  When you stop to consider that this word is a guiding focus for the year ahead, to think about how to condense all of your goals and hopes into one single word, it can be a bit overwhelming.

After much careful consideration I've chosen the word balance.  The dictionary defines it as:

bal·ance (ˈbaləns/Submit)

noun

1.  an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.

synonyms: stability, equilibrium, steadiness, footing

stability of one's mind or feelings.

"the way to some kind of peace and personal balance"

SAILING
the ability of a boat to stay on course without adjustment of the rudder

2.  a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
synonyms: fairness, justice, impartiality, evenhandedness, egalitarianism, equal opportunity

ART
harmony of design and proportion, the relative volume of various sources of sound.

3.  an apparatus for weighing, especially one with a central pivot, beam, and a pair of scales

synonyms: scale(s), weighing machine

the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra

4.  a counteracting weight or force

synonyms: counterbalance, counterweight, stabilizer, compensation

the regulating device in a mechanical clock or watch.

5.  a predominating weight or amount; the majority.

6.  a figure representing the difference between credits and debits in an account; the amount of money held in an account.

the difference between an amount due and an amount paid

synonyms: remainder, outstanding amount, rest, residue, difference, remaining part, an amount left over

verb

verb: balance; 3rd person present: balances; past tense: balanced; past participle: balanced; gerund or present participle: balancing

1.  keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall

synonyms: steady, stabilize, poise, level

remain in a steady position without falling

2.  offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another

synonyms: weigh, weigh up, compare, evaluate, consider, assess, appraise, judge

As a word nerd, I love the fact that it's both a noun and a verb.  But even more, I like what it stands for and how my focus in the year ahead, my intention, is to seek balance, find balance, be balanced, and to provide balance for others.  

As part of how I practice I assist people with their health goals, that brings them into balance with their bodies.  As a holistic health practitioner I support them in looking at all aspects of their current state of being, that brings them into balance in many different areas of their life, a "way to some kind of peace and personal balance."  That really resonates with me; I hope to be the rudder that helps others find the balance they need.

On a more personal note is the idea of balancing so that "different elements are equal or in the correct proportions."  As I focus on the year ahead I need to be mindful of balancing my own healing journey with my food sensitivities, my personal commitments, my clients, time with friends, spiritual growth, focus on family, and personal development.  That balancing act is never easy, but I believe it's worth focusing on.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, peaceful year ahead!