PART 1
In my previous posts: The Benefits of Solitude in Early Adulthood (applicable to other life stages) and The Benefits of Community, I explored how both solitude and community has assisted me with my journey. It might appear contradictory in nature; but I hold space for both. I am aware that solitude adds as much value to my life as community does.
We naturally go through different phases in life and the things that are helpful in one season might not be helpful in another season. Within each 24 hour, I transition between time alone and time spent serving others. I am called to serve; but I love solitary moments. How then do I balance serving others with attending to my core needs; one of which is solitude?
I have had phases where I put others before myself. Other times, I completely break from certain interactions and spend time alone. Both phases are beneficial and are just natural parts of life. But what if I prefer solitude? How do I serve others then?
I do prefer solitude. It feels like a basic need for me. At the same time, I love to help people to solve the problems that I am gifted at helping with. I love to see people achieve their goals, I love when people are happy, I love people.
Does my love for people interfere with my need for solitude? Actually not.
If you are like me, and you accept that you don’t have to trade your personal needs in service of the needs of others – as much as you truly love to interact with others, then these are some practices that I have found useful. These practices have helped to stay in a state of balance while I give my best to the causes and relationships that I value.
1. I schedule everything. I allocate time for different types of activities. I make time for solitude and time for community
2. I adjust my activity flow according to the season of life that I am in
3. I adopt a lifestyle that feels natural and healthy to me
a. I consume a natural diet once I have all the resources to do so
b. I exercise regularly
c. I work at the time that I am usually most focused
d. I stay organized with the help of systems and planning
e. I stay mindful, present and flexible
4. I align my activities in a way that feels efficient to me
5. I am selective in my interactions as this helps me to maintain an energy balance that’s sufficient for me (sustainable).
PART 2
As a leader, I try my best to serve with excellence. During the process, I sometimes absorb the energy of the people I serve. I think this is fine and is the natural consequence of serving others. I love to serve others. However, I must be in good health in order to serve others well. I try my best to take care of myself: spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.
For example:
In preparation for a day of work, I get up early and create the flow that I want for the day. Outside of meeting deadlines when I was studying at school, I was never a fan of rushing. I understand emergency situations when I must just do what I have to do; but generally, I work better without the rush. I was called to serve others; hence, I am truly not able to serve myself alone. If I only cater to my (personal) needs, I might be somewhat off balance. Therefore, I must strike a balance between taking care of myself and serving my community, country, etc.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Take good care of yourself so that you are able to serve others in a way that is healthy for you.
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