I’m a supreme multi-tasker. For example: eat breakfast, while writing emails, while a pot of lentils simmers on the stove, while I figure out what I’m wearing, while the dishwasher is running. My mind tends to race through five tasks at once, and don’t even get me started on the number of windows typically open on my computer screen [this is why I need yoga: it clears out my head].
I used to wholeheartedly practice the “eight hours of sleep every day” rule; however, in the past several months, my average has been a lot closer to six. Sure, sometimes too many days of go-go-go results in a need to crash early, but I always manage to wake up refreshed and ready for another marathon day.
See, my problem is: there is just so much that I want to do.
a product of multi-tasking: peanut lentils with quinoa. [lentils will never look pretty. especially in tupperware.]
There are plays that I’m dying to see. Restaurants I’d love to try. Late Saturday nights that need to be attempted. There are summer flea markets that are opening, new yoga classes I want to take, brunches to enjoy, and words I’d like to write [or to read]. Of course, there is also work to be done, household chores to complete, phone calls to return, errands to run.
It will only get worse as the weather improves, as in addition to the list above, I will also be struck by a need to a) endlessly wander the city, because I adore hot weather sidewalk strolls, or b) find ways to go to the beach, because the combination of sun, sand, and salty air is my favorite aspect of summer. Oh, and with baseball season now underway, I can also add in father-daughter Friday evenings at Yankee Stadium.
[I know, I know. My life is tough.]
an aid in balancing it all: holding onto those familiar moments, like my morning bowl of oats. this was the first post-passover bowl, and it was so, so good.
Striving for a full life is a positive thing, but unfortunately, I also need to be realistic. It’s simply impossible to do everything, whether the restriction be time, energy, scheduling, finances – you know, the practical things in life.
I think my most difficult task as a totally-confused-twentysomething may be navigating just how to fit it all in. Sure, I need good, real food and exercise to remain sane, but true balance – at least for me – involves so much more. The food I eat and the endorphins I create provide a foundation for everything else in my life; they give me the energy to maintain the schedule that I do [...coffee might help too.] I’m thankful to have figured out that healthy groundwork at a relatively young age.
plant energy is my favorite kind.
One of my friends recently mentioned that she knows I’m always up for anything, and I realized how true this really is. I just love to live, to experience, to try new things. I’ve been this way since my teenage years, and while I lost that zest for spontaneity for a while, it has returned to me full force. I spent too long saying no to going out, and these days, I seem to be struck with a neverending desire to gallivant as much as possible. [Sometimes more than is possible.]
I suppose the balance beyond my physical health is still a work in progress. As long as I’m living as well as I can though, I think “in progress” is just fine.
With what do you strive to fill your life? How do you fit it all in? I need tips!
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Leslie, I think you are amazing at living a balanced life. I can tell through reading your posts. There is such variety to your life – yet a constancy that persists and keeps you healthy (and sane!).
I am starting to embrace a new philosophy on life, and maybe you will like it. Just live. That’s all – just live. Stay healthy, keep your body in check and just live.
I have been wasting some time in my 20s (yes, this is a quarter-life crisis girl talking), and I am ready to regain them. You inspire me to do that!
I prioritize. The older I get, the more I realize what I really want to spend my time doing. There are many events and evenings I get invited to, but I don’t feel as bad as I used to about turning people down – I need me time, and time do catch up on and do the things I want to do.
ahh I hate when I want a billion things to eat at once, so i try and multi task by mixing it all together. Soemtimes a success, but more times a fail.
hope youre taking care, lovely <3
Balance is so, so important, especially for us young 20-somethings who have a LOT to sort out (I’m sure 40- and 70-somethings would probably say the same). Right now I’m struggling to balance work, family, social and personal aspects of my life… it’s a process, alright.
Wow, those are very deep thoughts girl. I struggle myself. Or I did. I was balancing school, work, family, friends, dating, exercise… God forbid I find some ME time. And now because of circumstances, most of those things have been temporarily cut out. And you know what I’ve realized? When we go, go, go we never take the time to just STOP and enjoy the simple things in life.
Right there with you chica. Promise to help me figure out when I join the real world? We can balance each other :)
Finding time to do all that I want to do is definitely hard. But in the end, squeezing everything in is totally worth it!
how do i fit it all in? i simply can’t all the time! sometimes i feel as if i fail miserably at paying attention and being attentive to all of the people and things that are important, especially when something *big* comes up. i am learning over time though that family and friends need to be my number one priority when things get super busy – because at the end of the day, that’s who i know i can really count on. not a job, a boyfriend, nor any material possession – that can all be temporary. but the people close to me are truly the most important piece in my life, and i try to make sure that in this struggle for balance i remember to put them first.
It’s not how much you do but, the quality of what you do. Sometimes sitting is the best activity of all. Relax, enjoy.
1) I prioritize — I always know what comes first, and what comes last. Social life usually comes last, but I’m a workaholic, and actually like being one, so that suits me OK.
2) I know how to say “no.”
#2 is a biggie :-)
What a wonderful blog you have! Love all the yummies!
Enjoy!
that is so inspirational to read. I am so glad you have that energy back!!! I love that attitude- trying new things is one of the best parts of life without a doubt!
You are inspiring and I admire your zest for life! I am kind of stuck in my life right now, and I’d love for that spontaneous, carefree feeling come back to me…I am very good at multitasking in the sense that, I get everything done before it’s due and am running around to appointments, meetings, etc. when most college kids are either drunk, hung over, or sleeping. Heheh.
Another beautifully written post! It will always be hard to fit everything in, and I have learned over the years that give and take is so important. There are days, like today, where I plan on spending the whole day cleaning and organizing. And then the sun streaming through the windows and a call from my brother in law who is at the beach nearby walking with my nieces comes and I realize I can live with a slightly messy house, at least until after dark :)
I hope you make it up to Boston sometime this summer!
ahh i love your blog! i just created one and am trying to get it out there. im glad i stumbled upon yours, really loving the pics :) xo
What a great blog to stumble upon today! I think one of the best ways to achieve balance is to prioritize and discover what fuels you. If you start with a focused foundation and honor your priorities everything seems to start to support that and time becomes available for what truly matters. I admire your enthusiasm for living. :)