Today I thought I would go over and share with you my thoughts on finding a sense of balance in life between work, family, and friends. I know that I'm still struggling with it in mine. For example, as a serious artist we are told to budget "X" amount of hours per day to paint and to block out outside distractions. Thats all well and good and I agree but, what if you live next to a friend going through hard times and they need to use your phone to talk to their sick father because their phone was disconnected for financial reasons? On one hand you feel your calling to "be there for your fellow man" and on the other hand that voice in your head says to be firm as an artist and don't let anyone violate your "sanctuary". I do let him use the phone and his family is very grateful to me for doing so. Another one is family functions on the weekend, they know that your art is important and that you have deadlines from time to time but sometimes you feel like you are putting yourself on your own little island by yourself. A lot of times I myself struggle with planning time to see other art shows, art events and other social situations where I can meet new people. I think that it boils down to taking a regular inventory each week of what worked and what didn't and make the necessary adjustments. What do you think? Take some time to leave me a post about ways you strike a happy medium in your life and I'll see you again on Friday. Have a great day!