Feb 09 2009
Balance: So much more than common sense
BALANCE means more to me now that I am older (62 years old today, by the way).
Balance has always been important in my life, and probably in yours too: keeping some separation between the workplace and the home, between work time and personal time, between working relationships and personal relationships, between work-week and week-end.
Balance also symbolizes my ability to keep perspective in life. Not too much work, alcohol, drugs, food, sex. Not too much sleep or television. Not too much rowdy playing with dogs and grandchildren either.
Balance is also equilibrium in our orientation toward good ol’ gravity! This is an area we don’t want to neglect either. I have heard so many horror stories of older people falling down in their garage or bathroom and being on the floor for a couple of days before someone checked in on them. There are a couple of safeguards that we should at least be aware of for “older” friends and family, if not for ourselves–yet.
There is the lifeline bracelet and emergency alert buttons. There is the daily phone call to check up on a friend or relative, or a daily visit to someone who lives alone. For those who qualify, there are social service agencies that will pay daily visits to help with daily needs. My own Father was discovered unconscious by the Meals on Wheels delivery person. It pays to plan ahead, rather than have later regrets.
Balance personal freedom against personal safety. We all have to decide. Sometimes we have to decide for others.
