Work towards a well-balanced life

If one of the spokes in your life is weak or missing, the ride is much more difficult.

It takes a conscious effort to devote equal time to each of the spokes in your wheel of life.

* The Personal Spoke How much time do you spend with yourself everyday? Identify what gives you joy and make time for it.

Keep a journal of your thoughts, feelings, ideas and dreams.

Take steps toward achieving your goals.

* The Social Spoke What are you willing to give back to society, expecting nothing in return? Are you associated with a cause or a group; involved with your church? Take time out of your busy schedule to help someone less fortunate than you.

* The Physical Spoke How healthy are you? When was the last time you had a checkup? In spite of the body's incredible ability to function despite our abuse of it, most health professionals believe that disease is indeed selfcaused by a reckless lifestyle and a disturbed mental outlook.

* The Emotional Spoke List the 10 most important people in your life.

When was the last time you told them how valuable they are to you? Pay attention to what you are doing with your life; remember and express how valuable your relationships are.

* The Financial Spoke Your job is necessary to support the other spokes in your life.

This may be why the financial spoke in your wheel of life has become too large.

If you have little control over the hours you must work plan your activities with your wheel of life in mind.

Remember, your job is important but it is not everything.

Don't let the job rob you from knowing your spouse and children and living a long, healthy life.

* The Spiritual Spoke Spirituality is believing in something outside of yourself.

Some people call that outside influence their higher power, or God.

If you want to grow in spirituality, it is important to have fellowship with people of like values and to pray or meditate on a regular basis.

It is hard to hear what God has to say if you don't take time to listen.

Jane Boucher is an author and professional speaker with offices in Reno and Ohio.

Reach her at 775-853-0226, 937-416-9881 or janeboucher@mail.com.Her websites are www.janeboucher.com and www.janeboucher.org.

Your Wheel of Life The Spokes Support the Rim: * The Personal Spoke * The Social Spoke * The Physical Spoke * The Emotional Spoke * The Financial Spoke * The Spiritual Spoke