About…A Matter of Balance

“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself,
art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless
and intelligence cannot be applied.” Herophilus

“Everything in moderation, even moderation.” Oscar Wilde

So, what is it that you do?

…the dreaded question. It’s a borderline phobia for me, provoking sweat and agitation trying to find the 3 or 4 words to sum up my raison d’etre.

Usually asked in a casual manner, it is the question giving the questioner context; ie, Are we a person of interest?  Subconsciously we all know this, so when asked, “What do you do?”  the usual response is with “I am”… an accountant, lawyer, business owner, assistant executive coordinator of public relations, you get the gist. We become defined by what we do.  The question becomes a trap.

Sooo….After seconds of profound anxiety I sheepishly expel the words, I am a Pilates Instructor.

Technically this places me within the confines of the fitness industry. Certain assumptions would now be made.

Before you get the wrong idea:  I smoked for over ten years. I like whole milk. I like meat. In fact, I once did public relations for The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.  I like alcohol, lots of coffee, and generally anything with sugar.  I’m not tan. I hate running and sweating excessively. Since I’m laying out confessions, I might as well admit  I  forget my reusable bags in the car, and am too lazy to retrieve them. So there.

Not exactly what is expected from a fitness instructor.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve; worked for National Public Radio, volunteer when I can, eat veggies once in awhile, and sometimes exercise by finding enjoyable activities. I learn from every person I meet, and I teach Pilates and movement because it feels good helping others feel better.

I have a knack for languages and have made working appearances at: costume shops, coffee houses, comedy clubs (ticket sales, mind you), a jazz club, an animation studio, a trucking company, several public relations firms, a few radio stations, a couple of pilates studios, and once as an industrial cafeteria dishwasher- which was temporarily awesome. I’ve kept every journal writing since age 3 and a basement of artwork. I once played the flute and I can juggle 3 balls.

I could be half-cocked in my endeavors, and, perhaps my lack of focus needs to be reigned in, but why not embrace the good three ring circus that life can be?

So what do I do? I do lots. There’s no one answer. While maybe not as ADD as my background, we all are made up of more than we can express in 3 or 4 words.

So what’s the point? Life is the great balancing act. We are all human; creating stories, changing our minds, getting into routines, ruts, habits…AND THAT’S OKAY. Life is messy, varied and beautiful. There is no one thing you “do” that can totally define who you are.

Navigating the middle road between appearances and emotions, physical and mental, body and mind, is a personal journey, and a very real one. It doesn’t have to be all in the clouds. I hope this blog offers a few moments of everyday insight and inspiration for your journey. Finding moderation in fun, health, fitness, life, etc. creates a stronger sense of center and confidence….the perfect you in your imperfections – in all you choose to do, and in all you are.