“Balance is not something that you find,
it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford

Recently I asked a number of people around me, of various ages and stage in their lives, to describe “Life” using just one word. It proved to be an interesting little exercise.

The elders of the group gave reflective, somewhat motivational responses; those in their twenties to forties eluded more to difficulty or hardship; and the very young of the group said more hopeful or “best is yet to come” type words. Which begged me the question – at what point do we find balance or contentment with all that life throws at us?

We ebb and flow through life, experiencing the highs, the lows, the anticipated, the unexpected and somewhat subconsciously conform to societal expectations of school, work, family and so on. For some those experiences are innately positive; for other things can just be simply hard.

But is that influence, choice, fate, or is it one, or all of the above?

My little snapshot research activity would suggest that we are much more content and balanced later in life, perhaps because we have experienced more. I’m sure a much more comprehensive study has found, or would find, that many people have found balance in earlier stages of life. In that regard, the above quote couldn’t be more true, with its distinct connotation of “life is what you make it”. Therefore, if you want something more, something different, something better, then go and create it!

By asking that one question, I was able to obtain a quick, albeit circumstantial, insight to how those around me were thinking. With some that led to a further question – are you ok? and this really started some interesting conversations.

The 11th of September this year is R U OK Day, empowering us all to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation, listen and check in. While dedicated to this date, these are important questions and conversations to have regularly – and if you are struggling to find balance, see your GP to take the first steps in the right direction. If you are worried for someone else, start the conversation, if you feel you can.

After all, we are all just trying to navigate this thing called life, which is so much better with people in your corner, helping you to create balance and in turn, lasting memories to look back on fondly.

Stay well! – Corinne G

1-5 September

Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week

Australia’s largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and gender-diverse people.

This year’s theme is ‘Say yes to you’ and each day we will focus on a different health topic to help women prioritise their health and wellbeing.

For more details head to www.jeanhailes.org.au

1 – 7 SEPTEMBER

ASTHMA WEEK

Asthma Week is Asthma Australia’s annual awareness-raising activity.More than 2.8 million people have asthma in Australia and the aim of
Asthma Week is to ‘put asthma on the kitchen table of all Australians’. This means to get people talking about asthma with family and friends and to improve awareness of the impact this chronic health condition has on so many lives.

So be sure to head to: www.asthma.org.au

Thursday 11 September

RU OK Day.

People around us go through ups and downs every day. That’s why we need to check in with the people we care about and ask RU OK.
Be sure to register at www.ruokday.org.au for free resources to share throughout your school, workplace or community, because we want everyone to be OK.

15-21 September

Dementia Action Week

Dementia doesn’t just impact the
person living with the condition it also impacts their immediate carers, friends, family and wider social network. With an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia let’s reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by this condition. Sign up to join the movement and help your community become dementia friendly. www.dementia.org.au