Personal growth Archives - Tasmanian Baptists

Everyone struggles to create balance in their lives. However it is possible to find a new rhythm when needed, suggests Jenny Baxter. Read on – a quiz is included!

When I was little, my sister and I loved playing on the seesaw together. They were simple affairs then – a thick plank, attached to a metal frame. No handles, no seats, and no springs to soften a “CLUNK” as it landed.

We played on a double set; two planks next to each other. We would see-saw together for a while. And then we would take one seesaw each. Standing atop a plank, we planted one foot either side of its centre. The trick was to shift your weight ever-so-slightly to come to a complete, balanced standstill.

It required fine footwork to get that magical moment of stability. Too much on one side, and we heard an earth-shuddering CLUNK echo around the playground.

Jenny and her little sister.
Create balance in your life — Here we are. Oh goodness . . . I’m talking!

Life Balance

Just like balancing a seesaw, maintaining balance in everyday life can be difficult. We talk about having a balanced diet, being emotionally balanced, balance of power, and keeping a balanced budget. They all require “fine footwork”.

Some people suggest life balance is as simple as juggling three balls: family, work and career. However, there can be many other facets to consider such as relationships, health and finances.

All these are important – and yet we need to pace ourselves. Life is more like a marathon than a sprint! As in most aspects of the Christian life it is good to ask, “What are the things God would have me do? What am I needlessly adding?”

After all Jesus did say: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV)

Busy, busy, busy

In our 21^st Century culture we often find ourselves so busy. And yet our bodies, minds and spirits are constantly telling us another message. Slow down! Stop!

Balance doesn’t just mean keeping your cool during a busy life, it also implies stopping, feet firmly centred, and reflecting regularly. Being mindful. As Paul wrote to the Romans: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Keeping your life in balance – what to do about it

First of all, tap/click the orange button to have a go at our Quick Quiz!
Your results will be emailed to you.

Are you controlling work, or is work controlling you?

And then read on . . .

Consider your personal worth

Everyone falls into the trap of thinking their value as a person is tied up with what they do. However, we are human beings. Our value and worth are found in being, not doing.

If you are driven by what you do, you will never be happy.

Your value is not tied up with how many dollars you earn, how many laps you run, or how many kilograms you weigh. You are special precisely because you, are you.

Take some time to think about this. Journal, pray, paint, draw – whatever you need to do to explore the idea of where you find your worth.

Limit multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is something we women pride ourselves on, however it is often the road to frustration and disappointment. Of course, sometimes multi-tasking is easy, like going for a walk while listening to a podcast. That’s not what I mean. I mean having so many things on the go you are unable to do any of them well.

You’re not doing your best if you do only enough to make each project adequate. In that case, look at your schedule and decide what needs to go. Plus, add some margin between commitments. You are hereby given permission to say, “No, I can’t do that.”!

Set realistic goals

Goal setting is a great way to get on top of things. But again, balance is needed as we work to achieve them. There are two keys to goal setting:

* Giving yourself a reasonable time frame.
* Having realistic expectations.

Remember to regularly re-assess your goals and alter them as needed. This is where a good mentor is really helpful.

Some encouragement …

Achieving good life balance is very rewarding. But being realistic, every now and then things will go CLUNK! As a reminder why we pick up the pieces and keep going, hold onto these words:

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Jenny Baxter is the state leader for Tasmanian Baptists’ EmpowHer, and the President of Leading Light, a network for Christian women leaders. She loves going for early morning walks, hanging with her friends, and a good cup of chai latte, extra hot.

Jenny is a also mentor and coach, and encourages you to get in touch, especially if you would like help in achieving some life balance! jenny@tasbaptists.org.au

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Boots that Fit

Who Am I?

Who are you, really? Tasmanian inspirational author Ruth Amos has written some great resources to help you get to the nub of that very question.

As we move through the seasons of life, each of us can have times where we wonder, ‘Who am I?’

It can happen when we leave school. Or when we get married, or don’t get married though we want to, or don’t want to get married when those around us do. Then there’s when we can’t have the children we want, or our children become independent and don’t need us as much. Or even when we retire from a fulfilling career, and now don’t know how to make our days meaningful.

I have encountered this question several times as I’ve tried to find a way to serve God and others. The world tells us to find identity through what makes us happy. But as Christians, we know a mature and joyful life is more complicated than just the search for happiness.

We may have heard we need to find our identity in Christ. But when it comes to putting that into action, what exactly does that mean for each distinctive individual? An activity that suits one person completely will lead to quick burnout for another personality type.

Flourish and grow

I believe that shalom – flourishing and growth – is God’s plan for us, not burnout and exhaustion. And that as we each do our bit, the whole body of Christ working together, all our work will be completed with great joy.

I have written Boots That Fit to help each of us answer those questions of identity, and where we fit. The book holds the lessons I’ve learned (or am learning) about how God uses our unique personalities, gifts and callings, life situations, energy levels and values to build his Kingdom and serve our communities.

After each chapter, and in the companion workbook, I provide activities to help you put the lessons into action. So, it is a practical guide to finding your place in God’s family.

Boots that Fit by Ruth Amos. Cover and companion work book images

The Boots that Fit course

Maybe I am biased! But I think it’s a very useful book. I know it is not easy to make time to do personal-growth activities. How many times have you read a great book, realising you would benefit from putting the teaching into action. Then put the book back on the shelf with a promise to do these things when you had time?

How many times have you read a great book, realising you would benefit from putting the teaching into action?

That’s why I created the Boots That Fit course, to help you take action! Run over six sessions, the course covers your identity, your life now, your dreams, your priorities, your rest and your future. The course can be run over six-weeks, or held as two one-day sessions over two weekends, and can take place at your church, or perhaps even your home.

So far, the Boots That Fit course has been run at four churches around Tasmania, and there has been an excellent response.

BUT BEWARE. The results have been life-changing!

Some participants have changed jobs, begun new studies, and even moved to a new state as they understand God’s call. Others have learned more about the small things they can do to serve the Lord. These include having people over for a meal, praying consistently for individuals, or coming alongside to encourage the lonely.

If you would like to know more about Boots That Fit, head to ruthamos.com.au. You can also subscribe to Ruth’s newsletter here.

At home, Ruth Amos overlooks Kingston Beach and attends St Clements Anglican Church. She and her husband Moz have two grown-up kids, and three grandchildren.
Contact Ruth about a Boots That Fit course at your church: ruth@ruthamos.com.au