EDITORIAL

Balance needed in every aspect of life

When one stops to think about nature and the infinite processes that must take place all across the globe for us to even be able to breathe in oxygen, one must appreciate the importance of maintaining balance.

Balance is key; the key to work, family and life. Anything that does not achieve balance is usually short-lived.

Take the economy as example. Barbados had to examine its way of existence and come to grips with a burdensome wages bill, amongst other things. During the past few months, the government has been fighting to rein in its expenditure while implementing the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Programme in an effort to bring the economy back in line.

Though officials have pointed to hopeful indicators of economic improvement, Barbadians have been urged to continue to hold strain as the government seeks to shore up more reserves and stabilise the economy. The fight to achieve balance continues.

As with the economy, businesses frequently need to perform an internal assessment and undergo reform to maintain a successful, profitable balance. In a past editorial discussing the strategies for increased productivity, it was noted that a balance must be achieved between the workforce and the employer. Employers must provide the necessary tools with which staff can produce increased quality output. If all of a company’s profit goes towards its shareholders and funds are not allotted towards equipment, the facility, or even towards incentives for the staff, then that profitability will soon decrease. You cannot get blood from a stone.

Likewise, employees who “show up at work” and not “show up to work”, despite excellent conditions and incentives, will soon find themselves on the breadline after getting dismissed or after the company goes under, since that type of attitude can only lead to poor productivity and act to destabilise a business.

In terms of the individual, there must be a balance between all the areas of one’s life.

A person who is too consumed by work will soon see a breakdown in the family life; likewise a person who is entangled in family ties but does not work will suffer financially. As the Bible says, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food”.

Also, people who give of themselves at work and in the family, but do not hold themselves as a priority will also have challenges in terms of poor health or mental or emotional problems.

Therefore it is evident that balance is needed in every aspect of life and one very important aspect is spiritual balance. This spiritual balance does not refer only to organised religion – though more traditional churches are the easiest method – but more of an acknowledgement of a higher power and a reliance on meditation and counselling to overcome life’s challenges and identify ways to flourish. Achieving a spiritual balance also helps with all the other areas of your life.

We urge everyone to reflect on their lives and seek to achieve a balance as they continue living each day to its fullest.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000