It's All a Balancing Act

Find the right balance for your life

I had a fascinating conversation this evening with Stephen Guise author of the award winning blog Deep Existence. He recently wrote a post over at White Dove Books about finding contentment. This got me to thinking about my own life and the eternal battle to find some sort of peace. I touched on this back in December when I wrote about acceptance. But there's more to life than just acceptance. What about being content? Or dare I say - happy?!

In October I attended a Girlfriends in God women's conference. One of the topics was about CHOOSING joy in your everyday life. Can you do that? Can you choose joy? I admit this is a hard one for me, especially with three kids (who don't always do what they're told and yes I'm aware that's their job).

People often strive for that one more event to happen and then they'll be happy. Whether that one more is a promotion, more money, a bigger house, the newest hot ticket item out there people everywhere continue to wait for the next best thing. The next best thing is already right here in front of you. It's time to see the amazing in the here and now. And that's when it hit me.

Balance.

It's all about balance. Yes, I'm aware that is cliche. But if you think about it, and I mean really think about it it's completely true. If you can find your own balance you will find contentment and dare I say even a little bit of happiness. Remember life isn't perfect, you'll still have your ups and downs, but at least you'll enjoy more along the way.

I'm choosing to find balance and I'm choosing joy! (Someone remind me of this in the morning BEFORE I get frustrated with the kids?!)

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And the Emmy Goes to....

I am happy to announce the winners of the Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska Giveaway! I hope you all enjoyed the first ever Being eLLe giveaway, I know I enjoyed hosting it! 


Congratulations:

AKhuskergal 

Jasmine A

The winners will receive a copy of the newly released Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss. I just know you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did!

Wait.

Don't leave just yet. 

I have a gift for everyone! (No, it's not more copies of the book - sorry.) But I do have this cute little bookmark for you! 

Download your free gift here via Google Docs. (If anyone has trouble downloading please email me and I'll send it to you directly.)  

And don't forget to come back and visit!

Only Two Days Left to Enter for Your Chance to Win!

Just two days left to enter for your chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss! To enter for your chance to win please post a comment here or Like us on Facebook.

Being a part of the Book Launch Team, posting a review of this book and hosting my first giveaway has been an amazing experience. I'm excited for the increase in traffic to Being eLLe and mostly just happy to be blogging again. Words can't express how much I've missed writing. Someone remind me next time I take a "break" from writing?

Win a Copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay

It's a special day today! Remember the book I reviewed a few days ago? Well starting today I'm offering you a chance to win your very own copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss! The contest is open January 8-14, 2013. 

To enter for your chance to win this spectacular book all you need to do is post a comment below or like my Facebook page. Only one entry per person please. The winner will be picked at random.

Verse of the Day

http://bible.us/Col3.15.NIV
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

A Lost Soul

Today marks a first in my new career as an addictions counselor. A colleague informed me of a former client who was found dead in her apartment. I don't know the details as of yet, but what I do know is the last six months of her life were no picnic. When I got into this field I knew the risks. I knew that there would be some really bad days. Clients will relapse or even worse die. Ultimately, with most of our clients we may never know the outcome of their journey because we often have so little time with them.

I was saddened by the news of this client passing. She was one that I had a soft spot for. She had Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome also known as wet brain and this made her rather childlike. Her favorite past time was coloring. I remember visiting her in the psychiatric ward in the hospital and seeing the reality of her addiction and the state of her mental health. I had really hoped she would find a place that would take her in and help look after her. Unfortunately, the reality is people with physical health issues, mental illness and addiction are often left out in the cold because the resources just aren't available.  From what I understand she got a place of her own and started drinking again - from there everything just went downhill.

I have to say you just can't really prepare yourself for this. I mean I've tried and the good Lord knows my teacher tried. It's been a rough holiday season in the addictions field. It's always rough during the holidays. Right before New Year's we had a woman relapse and no longer know where she is or if she's safe. And today I heard the news of my former client. My brain knows I can't take this on. I can't let it affect me personally, but my heart says, "I'm human dammit!" I want to cry for these lost souls. I want to hold them close and tell them it will all be okay.

I worked hard to get into this field and I knew it would come with challenges and heartache. It's all about balance. I can't close off to the pain or I'll become jaded and who am I going to help then? So, I allow myself to feel the pain of loss but know that I need to move on. But most importantly to always give my very  best in hopes that something somewhere will stick.

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