Balance necklace

Baby boomer blogger JudiBoomergirl caricatureI had hoped to publish my inspirational word for the new year about four weeks ago. Needless to say it didn’t happen. Time flew by and now it’s February 1st and I’m finally sitting down to write. It’s a bit serendipity because my #oneword for 2024 is balance. These days I find life is a balancing act.  That’s why balance is my focus for the next 11 months.

As I get older I’m finding it harder to create balance in my life. You would think that being 10 years into retirement that I would have found a better rhythm. Yet I haven’t. Perhaps it’s because there are so many things I want to do and my interests are so broad.

Choosing an inspirational word

Health educator Andy Milne says: “The theory behind the idea of identifying a single guiding word is that it points us toward the type of person we want to become. I visualize this as a word that sits on my shoulder and gently nudges me towards a more improved version of myself.”

inspirational word for 2024: Balance necklace

My new balance charm around my neck acts as a constant reminder of my inspirational word for 2024

What is the meaning of balance?

According to Oxford Dictionary the noun balance means

  • an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady
  • a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions

When used as a verb, balance means

    • keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall
    • offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another

Will I ever be in a state of equilibrium? I don’t know. Can I do better? Absolutely, and I intend to work on my balance so that by the end of the year I’ll be standing strong on both one foot and two.

Balance for Capricorns in 2024

My 2024 horoscope indicated balance was an area of focus for Capricorns. BTW if you want to read about your horoscope for 2024 you can check it out here.

What do I need to work on balancing in 2024?

Sometimes I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. Do you ever feel that way?

 

“Pick three things to focus on each day,” my former therapist A had said to me a few years ago when I was feeling overwhelmed about all I wanted to do during my retirement. I still practice her advice — only often times I’ll add a sub-head such as 1a, 1b, and 1c — which defeats the purpose. It’s not good.

 

So what do I need to work on balancing in 2024? Let’s see.

 

My relationships:

Hmm, when it comes to my very important people also known as my VIPS, I feel blessed to have a large number who are near and dear. There’s my BF E, my daughter A and my son D and my new daughter-in-law S. There’s my sister N and my extended family. There are my BFFs. How do I make time to talk, to see and to be with each one this year? And I must not forget about the non-humans–  my two grand-pups O and M. They are my VIDs – very important dogs.

 

Family at a wedding for inspirational word of 2024

I feel blessed to have strong relationships with my extended family and many wonderful friends

And drumroll please, I’m going to have a new VIP that will likely top the list. I’m going to be a grandma come this summer. How exciting is that?

 

My exercise regimen:

Since I turned 65 and found out that I have Renew Active with my AARP Medicare Supplement (which means my health insurance covers the fee at select local gyms and fitness studios), I’ve been on a roll. Opportunities to flatten my middle-aged-middle and eliminate my bat-wings (if at all possible and I aim to try during my life after 60) are endless. I feel like a kid in a candy store.

 

Now in addition to my love of Pickleball, Zumba, walking, and yoga, I’m going to classes at Club Pilates, Pure Barre, and Stretch Lab.

 

Pilates and balance - my inspirational word of 2024

Balancing on the Pilates reformer is a new exercise for me

“Have you tried Spenga yet,” asked my cousin J, who is also a fitness enthusiast and fellow Type-Aer. “You spin for 20 min, strength train for 20 and finish off with yoga for 20.” OMG sounds great. Dare I add another class to my schedule? Ooh, ooh, each one has its benefits. How do I balance it all?

 

My living arrangements:

I feel blessed to spend my winters in Southwest Florida and my summers at my condo-on-the-corner at the New Jersey shore. Then there is my permanent home in Southern New Jersey. In addition I spend time at my BF E’s two places, clocking hours on the NJ Turnpike during the spring and fall and on Florida’s Highway 75 in Florida. How do I balance it all?

Hint: Things are going to change in a big way in 2024 as E and I have decided to merge our households. It’s exciting and scary. After 16 years on my own (since losing my spouse) I’m going to be co-habitating again. 

My health:  My flat feet, my aching legs, my IBS and twisted colon, my high cholesterol, my sometimes ulcer, my occipital pain and tight traps, my osteopenia, my dry eyes, my dry vagina, and my bladder cancer that is at bay. It’s a juggling act as I get up in years.

“Consume more calcium, don’t eat too much fat, watch your sugar, eat more fiber, eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day, get enough exercise, and don’t forget to get sufficient hours of sleep.” How do I balance it all for peak performance and well-being?

Judy in pink

How do I balance intake with output to stay healthy

My entertainment media and news:  

With so many streaming services available it’s easy to find myself bingeing programs or feeling overloaded by multiple screens – between my iPhone. iPad, and SmartTV. There’s Hulu; Netflix; Amazon Prime; PBS: and MAX.

“You are entitled to a free 3-month subscription to Apple+ since you bought a new computer,” said the Apple salesperson. “Wow-o-wow, now I can watch Lessons in Chemistry and The Morning Show,” I exclaimed How do I watch all these shows?

tips for 2024 resolutions

More ideas from suleikajaouad to help me balance in 2024

And I can’t forget about the numerous online newspapers and newsletters that arrive in my inbox each morning. They include The New York Times and about six NYT newsletters on everything from business news, food and restaurant news, to morning and evening roundups. Then there are complimentary subscriptions to other newsletters such as Katie Couric’s Morning News and The Huffington Post. 

“You are entitled to a free 3-month subscription to Apple News since you bought a new computer,” said the Apple salesperson. “OMG, that’s amazing,” I replied not thinking I would ever have time to add all the publications to my news and entertainment roster.

How do I balance it all?

Blogging, emails and social media: This is another major category to balance. “Your screen time this week was 5 hours per day” prompted my iPhone alert this week. Five hours a day! OMG how is that possible. I have to get a life outside of my iPhone. It’s a big part of being a blogger and I don’t even blog full-time. In addition to my blogging there is Facebook; Instagram; X; LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Elsie Wellness

I like these ideas from elsiewellness —  they relate nicely to balance

Sleep begone!

It’s a good thing my menopausal mind and body are depleted of estrogen so I’m awake quite a few hours. The sleepless nights allow me time to burn the midnight oil with a favorite fiction or memoir. I do want to read more books during retirement.

How do I balance it all?

I haven’t complete answers yet but intend to figure things out in 2024.  With balance looking over my shoulder I’m going to attempt to put a new perspective on the next 334 days. Will I succeed? I’ll let you know. See you on the other side. Any tips or suggestions are welcome.

Judi