by Michelle Ladd

Created on: December 12, 2008   Last Updated: January 13, 2009

O.k. so if you are content with what you have then you won't work harder for the things you want but if you aren't happy with what you have then it's hard to be happy at all. How do you find the balance in life? There has to be a happy medium somewhere. Here are some tips on how to find it.

First of all it helps sometimes to stop and smell the roses as the saying goes. Sometimes you just need to take a break and sit back. Take stock of all you have. Are you healthy? Do you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food to eat? Do you have friends and family around that you can just talk to sometimes when you really need them? If the answer is yes then just be happy for a minute. Think of how blessed you really are. To help with this maybe work at a soup kitchen or volunteer to visit some elderly people in the nursing home for a day. When you see just how lucky you are you slowly switch into happy living.

Now just because you are happy with what you have doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for more. Work and try hard for that promotion so that you can have an even better life. The key is to remember to stop and enjoy what you already have from time to time. Don't work so much you can't see what you have. Take a vacation at least a week every year. Enjoy long weekends every once in a while. On your day off set aside time where you don't just worry about what needs to be done or what work you need to do when you go back. It is always important to have a little time with yourself even if it's an hour each week where you throw out the efficient shower and have a nice bubble bath with a good book. If you have kids then on your day off instead of just being busy running errands or making up for the housework you didn't get to do this week have them join in and make it fun. Dance around your living room with the music blaring and a dust wipe in each persons hand. Make a race out of who can clean their room the best in the shortest amount of time. Stop for an ice cream on the way home from the store. Let your kids help you make dinner. All of this can make it seem less stressful and give your kids memories they will never forget.

Don't forget be happy. That is what is important. If your not happy with life what is the point of working like you do? So enjoy life and the fruits of your labor from time to time and you will be find that life can be balanced.

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