Balance

I play pickleball pretty regularly. And like anyone who's ever lunged too far for a shot or turned a little too quickly, I’ve lost my balance on the court a few times. These days, I do my best to stay upright because at 61, I don’t bounce back the way I did at 30, or even 50.

But balance isn’t just about physical stability. It shows up everywhere: in how we manage our time, how we care for ourselves and others, and how we navigate the shifting demands of work, family and community. Whether it’s in the rhythm of our days or in our relationships, we’re always negotiating some version of balance.

So what does balance really mean?

To me, it means no one part of life consistently outweighs the others. It’s not perfection or stillness, but a state where things feel manageable, steady, fair. It’s a sense that we’re not carrying too much or expecting others to.

Balance doesn’t look the same for everyone. We often assume that if the scales look even, the situation must be fair. That if everything appears equal, everyone should be content.

But real balance goes deeper than appearances. Sometimes, what looks even on paper, yet still feels heavy to someone else. The numbers might match, but the weight isn’t distributed fairly.

That’s where awareness and compassion come in.

Finding balance isn’t just a personal pursuit. It’s something we can cultivate with and for others. It might look like stepping in when a colleague is overwhelmed, adjusting expectations at home or simply noticing when someone’s been carrying more than their share.

It might also mean checking in with ourselves:

• Where am I tipping too far in one direction?

• Where can I ask for help, or offer it?

• What would a more balanced day, week or relationship look like?

Balance isn’t static, it shifts as we shift. It’s something we return to, again and again, with intention.

So whether you’re on a pickleball court, at your desk or just moving through the fullness of life, may you find your footing. And may we all look out for one another, making small adjustments that help things feel just a little more even.

Send me an email - aderonke@abwilsonconsulting.com - and let me know what you are balancing and some of the techniques you use to manage.