We show lots of different images of ourselves. To our parents, we might show our more modest selves. To our friends, our most fun selves. To our bosses, our professional selves. On social media, our most perfect selves. Our partners might see the closest version of our true selves. Somewhere in the middle of all of that lies you – the real you. Think about how you portray yourself in all the aspects of your life. Where are you most comfortable? At work, on stage, with friends, alone? It is necessary to act differently at work than you do at the bar or at a sporting event. This does not mean we are not being true to ourselves when we assume different roles. But often there are some roles that are more comfortable than others. Where are you most content? With your children, in school, at the gym?

There are many different aspects of our lives that we focus on – body image, careers, education, finances, romantic relationships, community & friendships, spirituality, family, home, entertainment, bad habits, physical health, and emotional health. When one or more of these takes precedence, others fall behind. And often when we have to drop one or more of these aspects to focus on another, it leaves us feeling as though we are not successful or responsible. It is possible to manage all aspects of our lives. It is possible to feel fulfilled in careers and with our families. We struggle when we want to fulfill these domains to the standards we think others hold.

Think of all the roles you currently have – sibling, child, parent, spouse, student, employee, supervisor, friend, pet owner, athlete, artist, class clown, supporter, etc. Which role are you most comfortable in? What comes most easily to you? Where are you most happy? What strengths do you possess that make you great in that role? Which role do you struggle in? What is difficult about that for you? Try journaling about this in the next week with your list of roles, and your easiest and most difficult ones. To balance all of the aspects of our lives more efficiently, we need to figure out what that means for YOU. Understanding your strengths can help me to develop a plan for you to feel less stress and manage the aspects of your life (ahem, going to the gym) that sometimes get dropped in favor of areas that come more easily (sleep?). Balance, peace, and happiness ARE possible.

In my blog, I will share some of my insights about ways we can make you your happiest, healthiest self. I want to connect with you individually, and help to develop a realistic plan to find some balance in your life. I will also be sharing some stories and thoughts about my life as a social worker in Philadelphia. I hope you can find this content entertaining and helpful. Thanks for reading!