All of life is a balancing act. There are commitments to be balanced with self-care and giving with receiving. There is the balance of work and free time that needs maintained. And yet there are times in my life when I let those scales tip more one way or the other as I prepare for a major event or change.
I am not the only one who has noticed these scales tipping. My two fur-babies have noticed my distraction. My husband has noticed my absence in the evenings more as I work later hours but he understands what is happening. My dogs do not understand so clearly. They simply know lots of things have been changing. Even as I sit here typing I am doing so one-handed as Austin is letting her needs for affection be known and not ignored.
I briefly wonder how many people and animals are out there feeling this lack of affection right now. I, myself, am feeling it even though it is by my own choice that I make this final push. And in a few more weeks it will all be worth it as I take time off to be with my family and my new little one.
I'm grateful for the ability to communicate these needs and imbalances with my husband. I'm grateful for the understanding we both have of what is temporarily necessary. I'm grateful to add in small ways throughout the time we do have together to get more affection and connection into these moments. I'm grateful to take the time to give love to my dogs, even if it means typing a little slower. I'm grateful to try to calm their fears as best I can and let them know they are still loved. I'm grateful for the energy of this final push and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm grateful for all the joy I receive from doing what I love as a career and I'm grateful for the long awaited gift of motherhood that will fill a whole different part of my heart and soul.
How is the balance in your life? Are you receiving the connection and affection you need? If not, how are some gentle ways to address this need?
May today bless us with connection. May we find our interactions fulfilling today and may all our basic needs be met. Have a beautiful day!