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I almost filed this under “money,” but I realized that balance is an important part of life in general.

What is balance? In this context, I define being balanced as managing everything, in moderation.

That means being financially stable but not micromanaging every penny into an account. That means having gadgets that make life easier, not having gadgets because you can. That means having fun without doing crazy things. That means being serious when you need to be, yet outgoing should you want to be.

Moderation is another important trait. Like balance, it doesn’t necessarily come from one thing or one place; it is reflected in every part of life.

My neighborhood lives a spectacularly moderate life. Think the suburbs in the Midwest. Chicagoland area. We have our share of all four seasons, as opposed to sunny California or snowy Alaska. It’s more populated than the country, but not jam-packed like the city. If you want country or city, though, you can find it within half an hour’s drive. Chicago, 25 miles away, has museums, beaches, skyscrapers, O’Hare, and hot dogs.

And Wrigley Field, if you’re all-American.

A balanced life, a moderate life (however strange that sounds), is enjoyable but not very dangerous. It has plenty of fun, but not mindless tomfoolery.

(Tomfoolery? That must be a blogging first.)

If that kind of life doesn’t float your boat—if you prefer something skater-crazy or 18%-office-gray—there’s nothing stopping you. Me, I prefer something in between.

Posted by Michael at 6:50 pm under Things I've Learned