3-2-1 Get Balanced Wednesday
by Dr. Donnie
“Encouraging you to align your daily behaviors
with your priorities in life.”
When Common Sense is Chasing YOu…Slow Down!
|3 Ideas – 2 Quotes – 1 Question and Answer from Me to help you reflect on your work-life balance and wellness habits this week.
3 Ideas from Me
I.
To Know or Not to Know?
That’s a question worth pondering as we consider our awareness and education about living a life balanced in well-being. We’re all generally aware of what it takes to maintain physical health. I’m confident there isn’t a single reader here who isn’t familiar with the basics: eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. More often than not, it’s not a lack of knowledge that prevents us from adopting these healthy habits.
Common excuses abound—I’m too busy, too tired, there’s not enough time. I’ve heard and said them all, and unfortunately, I’ve witnessed the consequences of those who run too fast to manage their self-care properly.
II.
Beyond Physical Health.
But what about our mental, social, spiritual, and family health? As many of us have experienced firsthand, all aspects of our health are interconnected. What we do in one area of life spills over into others. For instance, adequate sleep can lead to quicker decision-making, heightened creativity, and better emotional management. On the flip side, insufficient sleep can leave us irritable, sluggish in our thoughts, and more.
To some, the art of balancing health, well-being, career, and family relationships might seem like common sense. My 89-year-old mother believes just that, even as she skips exercise and indulges in cookies and candy daily. However, knowing what to do is merely the first step. In our fast-paced, demanding world, many don’t realize the devastating impact of neglecting personal and family well-being for the sake of other priorities—until it’s too late.
III.
When Common Sense Chases You, I encourage you to stop running. Slow down, listen, and realign your actions with what truly matters. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to appreciate the wisdom of that small spiritual voice that lives within us and is willing to show us the way.
2 Quotes from Others
I.
“ Common Sense is in spite of, not as the result of education.”
– Victor Hugo
II.
” I, wisdom, dwell with prudence (common sense), and I find knowledge and discretion.”
– Proverbs 8:12
1 Question for You
Is there an area in your life where, upon looking over your shoulder, you find common sense chasing you? What is it, and what would happen if you slowed down to address it?
Dr. Donnie’s Answer
During the end-of-year holidays, I sensed common sense catching up to me one afternoon. Instead of continuing to run, I decided to sit down and have a heart-to-heart with it.
Our conversation went something like this: “Hey Donnie, do you find your afternoons and evenings as productive, healthy, and fulfilling as your mornings and mid-days?” I had to admit, “No, of course not. My mornings run like a finely tuned machine, maximizing all opportunities for success.”
Then Common Sense probed further, “And how about your afternoons and evenings?”
I confessed, “Honestly, I’ve been winging it. Whatever happens, happens.” I continued, “I’m not thriving in the evening because I haven’t been applying the same respect, energy, and mindfulness to my work-life balance intentions as I do earlier in the day. As a result, I experience a negative spillover later on, which is quite unsettling.”
Common Sense suggested, “I wonder if there’s something you do in the morning that you’re omitting in the afternoon which could help?”
That was the lightbulb moment. “Aha! You’re right,” I realized. “In the morning, I dedicate time to prayer, journaling, and meditation, setting my day up for success. I should extend these practices into the afternoon as well, ensuring my evenings, especially time with my family, are as joyous and fulfilling as possible.”
I gratefully acknowledged, “Thank you, Common Sense. I heard your whispers when I decided to slow down, get quiet, and listen.”
I would love to hear your answer: [email protected]
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Until next week, may God bless you and your family, and the Glory be to God.
– Dr. Donnie Hutchinson
The format and style of this newsletter were inspired and highly influenced by James Clear and his 3-2-1 Newsletter. The content is strictly Dr. Donnie’s.