Balance is Impossible

If I could remind you of one thing as you begin the school year, it would be this:

Excuse my French, but balance is b*llsh*t, my friend.

I had a conversation with a school wellness committee in Michigan last week whose wellness initiative embraces radical wellness.

[First of all, how amazing is it that they have a Wellness Committee!?]

We got to talking about the ways we, as a society, celebrate the hard work of employees.

How often have you heard someone bragging about how hard someone works, how late they stay making sure that every item is off of their to-do list, or how early someone gets to work.

It’s time to change this narrative.

If Maggie (sorry to all you Maggies) is being celebrated by her boss for staying at school until 5:30 p.m. every day, that becomes exemplary.

And that can’t continue happening.

If she is staying at work until 5:30 p.m. on the daily, I can guarantee that more than one other area of Maggie’s life (health, family, friends, recreation, spirituality, finances, personal growth, etc.) is taking a major hit.

Let me introduce you to a key happiness habit, flow. Flow is NOT balance.

❌ Balance says that all areas need equal attention.
✅ Flow allows priorities to shift as needed.

❌ Balance requires rigidity.
✅ Flow allows for flexibility.

❌ Balance often leads to feelings of guilt and shame
✅ Flow can lead you to feelings of freedom.

Here’s the bottom line: this year is going to require a lot from you (as it always does). But YOU get to set the expectations and priorities.

On weeks that require a whole lot of grading or extra time at school, make sure you are intentional with sticking to your contract hours in the surrounding weeks.

There is a reflection activity in the “Flow” chapter of my book, Teach Happy, that walks you through how to make this happen and create more flow in your life.

If you’re ready to feel less overwhelmed, I can’t recommend this activity enough. I still do it when I get overwhelmed, too!

As always, cheering you on and wishing you the happiest year!