Pursuing Dreams, Battling Stress, and Finding Balance

Look at how we yoyo between chasing our dreams, consuming more, desiring bigger, better, thinking we're not enough as we are, running from the past or the pain buried deep in our psyche, and crashing and burning with the exhaustion, frustration, resentment and disappointment of it all. No wonder our cortisol shoots up and stays up and as a result we find our mood swinging all over the place our anxiety at an all time high, and we watch our bellies (which hold the pain of it) bulge bigger over time.

We are too fearful to stand still, too scared to sit with our pain, too rushed to noticed the little gifts of nature around us. In the relentless pursuit of more—more achievements, more possessions, more validation—driven by a deep-seated fear that we are not enough as we are, we risk drowning in collateral damage of our desires. How do we stop ourselves getting caught in the perpetual cycle of chasing dreams and battling stress? How can we lower our cortisol, reduce our anxiety, mood swings and belly fat, and have a fulfilling, meaningful life?

The Chase for More: We live in a society that constantly nudges us towards achieving more. This pursuit can be exhilarating, but it often comes with a cost. The pressure to excel in our careers, to have the perfect family, the dream house, and the ideal lifestyle can be overwhelming. This constant striving leaves us feeling like we are perpetually running from our past or the pain buried deep in our psyche.

The Physical and Emotional Toll: This relentless pursuit takes a toll on our bodies and minds. Our cortisol levels, the stress hormone, skyrocket and remain elevated, leading to mood swings, heightened anxiety, and physical manifestations like increased belly fat. This physical response is our body's way of coping with the chronic stress of never feeling 'enough'.

The Fear of Stillness: In this whirlwind of activity and ambition, we become fearful of stillness. We are too scared to sit with our pain, too rushed to notice the little gifts of nature around us. Ironically, the very things that could help us—arts, crafts, hobbies—are often dismissed because we think we don’t have time for them. 

The Power of Presence: As a painter, I've learned that it is only when I take the time to be still, to observe the world around me, that I feel present enough to engage in my art. When I allow myself space in my head, my creativity flows effortlessly, as if guided by an external force. The painting emerges naturally, reflecting a state of mind that is at peace and open to creativity. 

The Early Hours of Creativity: Similarly, with writing, I find that the early, dark hours of the morning are when I am most productive. Before the world wakes up, in that quiet time devoid of distractions, my thoughts crystallize, and the words flow freely. Whether it's journaling, blogging, or working on a book, this serene time allows my creativity to flourish.

Balancing Ambition and Well-being: The million-dollar question then is, how do we balance our ambition with a life that allows for moments of joy, creativity, and flow? How do we lower our cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and mood swings, and lead a fulfilling, meaningful life?

Creating Space for Creativity: The key lies in creating space in our lives for stillness and creativity. It's about acknowledging that taking time for ourselves isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Whether it's through painting, writing, or any other form of self-expression, we need to carve out moments in our busy lives to connect with our inner selves.

Enjoying the Moment: It's also about learning to enjoy the moment. Instead of constantly looking forward to the next big thing, we need to learn to appreciate the here and now. This doesn't mean abandoning our ambitions but rather finding a balance where our goals don't overshadow our ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Redefining Success: We need to redefine what success means to us. It’s not just about the accolades and acquisitions but also about the peace, joy, and creativity we experience. Success should be measured not just in terms of what we have achieved but also by how fulfilled we feel. 

Embracing Mindfulness: Finally, incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine can help us manage stress and anxiety more effectively. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect and breathe, mindfulness can be a powerful tool in our quest for balance and well-being.

 So, while the pursuit of our dreams is important, it's equally vital to find time to pause, reflect, and engage in activities that nourish our soul. By finding a balance between our ambitions and our need for creative and emotional fulfillment, we can lead a more balanced, happier, and healthier life.

Actionable steps

 Balancing ambition with personal well-being is a challenging yet essential task in today's fast-paced world. Here are ten actionable steps to help you achieve this balance, lower stress levels, and lead a fulfilling life:

Set Realistic Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for your career, relationships, and personal life. Avoid setting overly ambitious targets that can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.

Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate regular self-care practices into your routine. This could include exercise, meditation, adequate sleep, and healthy eating. Taking care of your physical and mental health is fundamental in reducing cortisol levels and managing stress.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These practices can help centre your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood.

Allocate Time for Creativity: Schedule regular time for creative pursuits, whether it's painting, writing, cooking, or any other form of artistic expression. This not only fosters creativity but also serves as a therapeutic outlet for stress.

Learn to Say No: Recognize your limits and don't overcommit. Saying no to additional responsibilities can help prevent burnout and keep your stress levels in check.

Embrace the Present: Practice being present in the moment. Whether you're spending time with family, working on a project, or enjoying a hobby, focus fully on the task at hand instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Cultivate Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal or regularly reflect on things you're thankful for. Gratitude helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering contentment and reducing the urge to constantly seek more.

Balance Work and Life: Ensure a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries between your professional and personal life. This could involve designated work hours, taking regular breaks, and ensuring quality time with loved ones.

Engage in Physical Activity: Regular physical exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and anxiety. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, and make it a part of your routine.

Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you find it challenging to manage stress or if it's affecting your health, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide personalized strategies to cope with stress and achieve a balanced life.

Implementing these steps requires commitment and consistency, but the payoff is a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthy life. Remember, it's not about perfection but about making steady progress towards a lifestyle that honours both your ambitions and your well-being.

PS. If you would like support in creating more balance & growing your inner courage, calm and confidence for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT