A Good Life Balance

Typically on my blog, when I present an issue I like to give my advice on how you can combat it. Whether that be my article on how to remain calm in stressful situations, or my post on combatting procrastination. Today however I’d like to talk about struggles I’m still trying to conquer, specifically how to balance my life in a healthy and productive manor.

Up until September of this year, my life was honestly pretty easy. I had a simple job at a restaurant, I had high school which at the time I thought was a pain, but now realize it was easy compared to real life, and I had my social life to maintain. Outside of that there wasn’t much else I had to worry about. Life was simple and summer 2019 will go down as one of the most enjoyable and easiest periods in my life. Having lived so relaxed, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise when I say that I had my ass handed to me when September rolled around. All the sudden I was hit with all these new responsibilities and I got my first taste of “the adult life.” Suddenly I realized I had to start saving money, I started working more at the restaurant but that wasn’t cutting it. I had to pick up a second job as a salesman to make ends meet. I was tasked with saving money, paying bills, and still being able to afford gas. Then we throw Praxis into the mix. September was the start of my first module with Praxis, I had already completed the pre-program module but that was easy work compared to the real program. Since the end of the module one I cant say things have gotten easier. My previous jobs weren’t as financially rewarding as I hoped, so I had to start working for Fed Ex in their warehouse which is a very physically exhausting job with very long hours. As far as Praxis, I’m currently in our writing module participating in their 30 day writing challenge, which has certainly lived up to it’s name. I’m still trying to keep up on my passion by making music, I’m doing construction in my house on my free time, and I’m trying to balance friendships, family, and a relationship on top of everything. An experience that is much different from that I had during high school, and one that keeps me very busy.

I’m not someone who minds living a busy life, but between everything I have on my plate I currently sleep and average of 2-4 hours a night and hardly have time to eat during the day. I’m getting better at keeping a solid schedule in my life regardless of the new things that have been thrown at me, it’s just been a long process to get everything put together. This is a problem that many people struggle with, the current way of life in America can be stressful and often over packed with responsibilities. The value of finding balance cannot be overstated, as it is imperative to a healthy and happy lifestyle. As I continue to mature and progress in life, I look forward to finding just the right balance of work, play, and relaxation. However long that may take me.

-Braden Schmidt 11-22-2019