Have you ever thought about your relationship with balance?
While I have been calling BS on work-life balance, I have also been introducing new ways to view balance to working women (especially mums). Whether it be through therapeutic exercises or calling Balance by a new name.
This therapeutic exercise I have put together is aimed to help you redefine your relationship with balance by writing her (or him) a letter.
But what does Balance mean and why should you consider changing your relationship?
What is the definition of Balance?
I spent many years of my life (up until I became an entrepreneur) chasing balance. A few years back discovered the harder I chased balance the more elusive it became.
This process has been further validated by the over 150 exhausted professional women I have interviewed (for my research) who have shared that flourishing in life for them is having balance.
However, most of them cannot recall a time in their life where they felt balanced and if they did they couldn’t sustain it.
This is why I’m investing my line of work to help women with balance to help you shift the lens in which you look at balance and redefine it in a way that unlocks more harmony in your days.
Writing a Letter to Balance (in my opinion) is just the beginning of the journey to redefining balance.
Why should you write a letter to Balance?
Mental health charities have shared case studies of how writing helps normalise people’s feelings and allows them to process them in different ways. This also shows a deeper connection to the present moment.
Some studies have also shown boosts to mood and reductions in stress from expressive writing. This can include:
Looking for more reasons why you should consider writing a letter to balance? Let’s explore this further.
Five reasons why writing a letter to Balance has healing properties
Expressive writing has proven to be a safe space for individuals to confront and normalise their emotions. In a world that sometimes discourages vulnerability, putting pen to paper allows for an honest exploration of feelings without judgement. This process can lead to a sense of validation, as you realise that your emotions are not abnormal or isolated.
Expressive writing serves as a tool for gaining clarity and broadening perspectives. When faced with complex emotions or challenging situations, the act of articulating thoughts on paper can bring a level of coherence and understanding. This newfound clarity can be transformative, allowing you to navigate your emotions with a heightened sense of self-awareness.
Feelings of isolation often accompany mental health struggles (as mentioned above). Expressive writing, however, can act as a bridge, connecting you through shared experiences. By putting words to your feelings, you not only communicate with yourself but also open a channel for connection with others who may be experiencing similar emotions. This sense of connection can be a powerful antidote to isolation.
The processing of emotions is a fundamental aspect of maintaining mental health. Expressive writing provides a structured and tangible way to engage in this process. By actively acknowledging and examining feelings, you can navigate through the layers of your emotions, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of yourself and your experiences.
Now that we understand the benefits of expressive writing, let's delve into how you can embark on the journey of writing your own Letter to Balance..
Set the stage for your writing by finding a quiet and comfortable space. Eliminate distractions, ensuring you have the time and mental space to focus on your thoughts and emotions. Get yourself a nice warm tea or coffee, play music, whatever feels right for you.
Before putting pen to paper, take a few moments to reflect on your current emotional state. What are the dominant feelings you're experiencing? Identify the emotions that you want to explore and address in your letter. You could do this in meditation too.
Start your letter by addressing it to Balance. Dive into the feelings you identified in the reflection stage, expressing them in a raw and authentic manner. Don't worry about grammar or structure at this point; the goal is to let your thoughts flow freely. Make sure you sign off as yourself.
As you write, aim to gain clarity on the underlying causes of your emotions. Ask yourself questions and explore different perspectives. The goal is not only to express but also to understand. If you feel comfortable, propose solutions or resolutions that align with your newfound insights.
Once you've concluded your letter, take a moment to reflect on the process. How did the act of writing make you feel? What insights did you gain? Use this reflection to inform future writing sessions and continue your journey of self-discovery.
The exercise of writing a Letter to Balance is a transformative and accessible tool for enhancing mental well-being. From normalising feelings and reducing stress to gaining clarity and fostering connections, expressive writing holds the potential to create a positive impact on your life. To bring more harmony in your day.
If you want to learn more about Letters To Balance and read some beautiful letters, click here.
If you want to get Letters from Balance in your inbox, click here.
