Being a kid with a mind full of ideas, more that seem to unfold every minute, I want to do it all. Most of my ideas would be possible if I had days full of no plans. But, of course that is not true, in fact, that is the antithesis of my day. I'm lucky to receive an hour of relaxation. It starts at 6 a.m., prying my eyes open and getting ready for school. It can end as late as 2 a.m., after finishing homework. I can't understand why I find myself so tired...it's obviously not because my plate is overflowing. But, this blog isn't about me complaining about what I wish I could do, but can't. It's about how I manage everything from school, dance, and being a kid. Otherwise known as my personal balancing act (no pun intended).
This struggle seems to pop up in every serious dancer's life. When you are committed to multiple things, it's hard to find time for the things that are less intense or demanding. That could include family, sleep, leisure, and most commonly yourself. Taking care of YOU should always be first on your list, the main course. Then, for me at least, comes school (veggies) because it will have the biggest impact on me and my future. After that, comes the sides of my dinner: dance, and all that encompasses, family, friends, staying healthy, and throughout all of these, my goal is to find the fun in it. Fun, being the dessert or treat. Of course, there are lots of little things that fill my mind while I am doing all of this. Remembering to drink more water to relieve my headaches, setting an alarm to wake up early tomorrow for a performance, oh, and I can't forget to finish that writing assignment... I can't even make through a blog without my mind exploding with to-do's. However, just as in ballet, the more I practice doing it, the easier and better I become at managing. Time management is an important skill in itself; a skill I am practicing all the time.
The biggest help that you can have is within yourself (sounds super cheesy). You have to be able to say "no" and listen to your body. Not one decision that doesn't feel completely right with you with never be right... that is that. So, if you want to balance everything that you want to do and have to do, you take on only what you can. You will feel more satisfied and less overwhelmed, and I certainly do. There is really nothing you can do about changing finals week being on the same week as
Nutcracker, but you can make time by saying no to the other things that may be not as important. Once you conquer clearing your mind from frustration of "can't"s, fill it with "cans" and soon you will find your self scale balanced.
~Hayden
