9 Actions to Restore Balance

Wheel vibrations, pulling to one side or unusual challenges in managing your motorcycle are indications that something is out of balance. To remain intact, you must stop as quickly and safely as possible, assess the situation and restore balance before proceeding.

 

restore-balanceThe same approach applies to your personal Road. There are times you need to stop what you’re doing, evaluate the situation and take corrective action. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment. Other times, you need to make difficult choices about people and activities in your life.

 

9 actions to restore balance

 

  1. Stop. You can’t check your load while you’re moving and although you may get away with ignoring the problem for a while, eventually it will jeopardize your safety. As soon as you recognize the signs, whether on your motorcycle or on life’s Road, take a break and figure out where the problem is. Correct it before moving on.

 

  1. Check your tires. Because of the critical safety aspect, this is the first check to make. Tires keep you grounded. Evaluate the things that keep you grounded in life and make sure they’re still intact.

 

  1. Adjust your load. It may have shifted during transit. This happens when you consume food, drinks you’ve packed, or removed packed gear because you need to wear it. Needs change over time and affect the weight distribution. The same is true in life. Circumstances change and you need to adapt. How you respond determines whether you remain balanced.

 

  1. Delegate. You just can’t make even that last t-shirt you picked up fit into your bags. Sometimes on a trip, you have to ship things home or ask a friend to take them. If something is absolutely necessary in life, rather than taking on too much responsibility, delegate it or ask for help from friends and associates.

 

  1. Jettison. Get rid of things. Simplify. Travel light. The less you carry, the less you need to be concerned with losing your balance.

 

  1. Say no. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Even if it’s within the load capacity of your bike, if it’s beyond your capacity to handle, don’t pack it. In life, that means saying, “No.” If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not doing anyone a favor by taking on more responsibility or other people’s problems. Please note that this is different than being charitable and of service.

 

  1. Use stronger ties. It may not be the load that’s the problem. With use, bungee cords loose their elasticity and tie-downs can wear and need replacing. Evaluate your personal support structure for fatigue. What once served you well may no longer work and you may need to change things up.

 

  1. Rearrange. Carrying your weight low and as close to center as possible stabilizes your load and makes it easier to handle. In life, you can take on more if you’re methodical and well organized.

 

  1. Trust. In yourself. Don’t hang on to things or people that don’t serve your interests. If you have to lessen your load on a bike, consider that resources are available along your route and should you need something, you’ll be able to obtain it. The power that resides within you allows you to be resourceful, flexible and resilient. Use it!

 

When you’re out of balance on your motorcycle the feedback is immediate and the consequences potentially devastating. The effects of being out of balance in your personal life can be harder to recognize and take longer to surface, but can endanger you just the same.

 

Take a lesson from your bike and check in periodically to make sure you’re managing all that’s asked of you, including mindfully caring for your Self.
photo credit: Viewminder via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

2 Comments on “9 Actions to Restore Balance