How do you BALANCE your life?
Hi ladies,
If there is one thing I've learned time and time again -- it's that BALANCE is the key to inner peace and stability. Too much stripping or camming can lead to burn-out, too much alone time can lead to depression, too much time with your kids can be stressful (hello new mommies and those acquainted with summer vacation!), and even that tried and true saying about too much of a good thing...
Right now I am trying to maintain a comfortable balance between stripping, freelance writing, making art/jewelry, meditation/spiritual pursuits/reading (all fit in my leisure time), traveling and the occasional night out with friends. I'm single, no kids and this of course makes doing what I want to do WHEN I want to do it pretty easy for me. I feel lucky and happier than ever at this time in my life, but I remember being in school while stripping, holding full-time "vanilla" jobs, etc. and it was SO hard for me to stay balanced!
I thought it might be a good idea to share tips on how to stay balanced for people who are struggling with juggling all that life can throw at you!
I stay balanced by...
~devoting my "working" portion of each consecutive day to something different. So, one day I'll go to the metal studio I work in and make jewelry, the next day I'll dedicate to working for my freelance clients on the week's deadlines, the next day I'll go to my club, etc.
~indulging in things that I am passionate about
~eating healthy
~doing my best to bring only positive energy to my relationships and interactions with others
~allowing myself a minimum of 5 minutes per day of quiet meditation and reflection (usually longer)
~being kind to myself when I am stressed, anxious, sad or "break my own rules" (meditation helps with this too!)
~being grateful! -- As much as working in the sex industry can be frustrating, inconsistent and sometimes draining, I am SO SO grateful to be involved in it at this point in my life. I see so many friends struggling for employment, unable to pursue their dream jobs or worse, landing their dream job and working 60+ hours per week with no overtime to keep it. I couldn't stand living that way, and I know right now my freelance writing isn't enough to support me.
~embracing uncertainty -- We live in very uncertain times, and it is important as an individual to trust in your own resilience!
~seeing humor in everything -- this, for whatever reason, is something I've always have done. My friends know better than to ask "what?" when they hear me laughing for no reason -- life is just funny!
Any others?
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
Great thread! You're very lucky in having so many streams of income because that alone helps from burn out by not only having to depend on one for all your earnings, but also giving you so many (profitable) creative outlets. I hope I can get to that point one of these days - for now I've just got a full-time vanilla job and super part-time dancing, but I'd like more of an equal part-time for both and one other more creative stream of income. Thanks for the motivation!
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
i love this post, just what i need right now! im going crazy from winter blues, boredom, depression and stress..i love being a mom, but sometimes you just need a break ya know? and work, which i do consecutive days to make it easier for babysitting is getting overwhelming..reltionship crap..the usual!
i just joined a gym and its helped a great deal..get those endorphines pumping and get out of the house and at the same time work toward my fitness goal.
i really want to take yoga too, for some reason being physically active and getting my mind and body in shape gets me out of depression !
i also picked up some great books in topics im interested in after reading this. sometimes i just get down in the dumps feeling like my life is the same day over and over and im not moving towards anything important, and im the kind of person that really needs a goal to work towards.
i love jewelry making too, that's awesome ! i hope the business really takes off and becomes profitable for you
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
Thank you Simone! :)
One thing I am totally guilty of is not working out enough -- or ever, really. I go through phases where I'll take a class I found on Groupon or go for a short run on the beach, but other than that I basically just rely on good diet/calories burned stripping to keep me in shape. I need to work out more!! lol
But, they say natural endorphins from exercise are the best things for depression! It's awesome that you are able to recognize that and keep yourself active when you're feeling down.
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
Balance is vital for survival...I trust in my gut..If I need time alone I take it..Whatever I need for me, I try to make happen..
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
I take a part-time college course on the side now to forget about the industry and do something for myself. I wish I had done this years ago. Once a week for two or three hours and I'll be qualified/certified in the long run. Any self interest course or volunteer work helps me balance.
Re: How do you BALANCE your life?
As an escort, I find it's really important to have as much substance in life as possible. Don't think about your clients often. It has helped me a lot to have small goals and a larger goal. Example..after 2 days of appointments, I'm getting a body wrap at the spa. After these next 2 months, I'm going to enjoy myself at the Virgin Islands. That really helps. And of course partake in as much of your personal interests as you can..that's how I have been balancing