Sway with it
Work-life or work-family balance is a term that has always irked me. I never could really understand why, but everytime I hear it I cringe a bit. Then this week I was taking a barre class and realized why …
I look like a big joker when I balance.
No, seriously. Show me a person—other than like a ballerina—who looks normal when they balance. During this barre class I was attempting to balance and found myself shaking and wobbling. I feel like when I try to balance, I'm solely focused on the act of balancing, rather than the intention or joy that I’m searching for within this balanced state. For me, that's why work-life balance doesn't resonate—it’s clunky and honestly too focused on constantly maintaining or achieving perfect harmony in a world where distraction and change are coming at you at every moment. So, what is a better solution if we want to focus on being present in our ever changing world with evolving needs rather than a constant balancing act?
How about work-life sway? I recently stumbled on a Forbes article that breaks down the idea:
It might just seem like a new metaphor for the same concept, but in actuality, work-life sway is a change in outlook and strategy. It dispels the idea that there is a singular balance to be found. To sway is to ebb and flow with the changing landscape, to adapt, shifting around your schedule, effort and energy depending on the given situation.
When I hear ‘sway’ I think flow, fluidity, and movement. The term—in contrast to balance and seeking perfection—is about adaptability and resilience. With work-life sway you aren’t focused on that metaphorical ‘spot in the room’ to steady yourself, but leaning into curiosity and intuition to maneuver through space and time that better cares for your mind, body, and soul.
Take a minute and check out the article. Then close your eyes, inhale deeply, and try to feel the energy moving around you. Take a quick mind-body inventory of what you need at this moment. The world is always buzzing and moving around us, so instead of fighting it, sway with it.
