Balance

Currently, I'm in the process of brain-storming a plan for the best year ever. I have competing ideas for what might be "best" and balance is probably necessary. For example:

• Spontaneity (my usual preference) vs. Making plans (which is more efficient)
• Spending money on fun vs. Saving money (the best year ever would not mean going broke- I value saving too much!)
• Staying up late having fun vs. Getting enough sleep (so I'm not grumpy)
• Working hard at work (best year ever would including doing better at work) vs. Saving energy for other things
• Eating delicious things vs. Being healthy (isn't this always the dilemma?)

This is one of those rare times when I would agree virtue is a mean between extremes.

Best Year Ever- Background

The idea for the best year ever started about a month ago. It was very random- I found myself wondering what would make the next year, starting with the next very moment, the best year ever. Is there any reason why that shouldn't always be the goal?

What was my best year so far? Probably either my senior year of high school or sometime in college. It was a great combination of freedom and fun.

Why can't I have as much fun now? Sure, I work for 8 hours a day and commute for 2, but the rest of the time, I can do whatever I want.

Over the past month, I've realized how easy it is to make a snap decision to work toward the best year ever rather than staying cozy and somewhat bored. It can be complicated though, as there are competing demands for my attention. I also don't know myself well enough to know what will make me happiest. Surely if I understood that better, I would make the best choices.

This will be further examined in the next post.