Keep a career from dominating your life, family, & health. Finding balance in life is an ongoing journey that involves harmonizing different aspects of our existence to experience fulfillment and well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to strike a balance to navigate the complexities of daily life effectively. Balancing life means managing various areas like work, relationships, personal growth, health, and leisure while maintaining a sense of equilibrium.

My parents were the proud owners and managers of a successful high school education business in a small town in the Philippines for over twenty years. It was a significant part of their lives, and they poured their hearts and souls into it. However, as time passed, my father started feeling weary and decided it was time for a change. So he boldly and courageously decided to uproot our entire family and relocate to the United States.

Even with the move to a new country, my mother remained deeply dedicated to the business. She would frequently travel back and forth between the Philippines and the US, tirelessly overseeing its operations. I can still vividly recall the bittersweet moments when she would leave for the Philippines and the nights when she wasn’t there with us. I would often find myself shedding tears, longing for her presence.

My mother’s passion for the business was undeniable, but it also came with challenges. Finding a balance between her personal life and work proved to be complicated. It caused her stress and created some turbulence within our family. Nevertheless, we did our best to navigate those trying times and support each other.

Unfortunately, life had more hardships in store for us. Later in her life, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news hit us like a ton of bricks. The tumor was alarmingly large and had already metastasized to other parts of her body. It was a devastating blow that shook us to the core.

This experience was a profound lesson for all of us: our careers should never be the sole defining factor of our lives. Life is concise and precious, and we shouldn’t allow financial concerns or obstacles to limit our existence. Instead, we should embrace every moment, overcome barriers, and let our true selves shine. Staying within our comfort zones inhibits growth, development, and personal transformation.

Ultimately, my mother’s battle with cancer taught us the importance of valuing our relationships, prioritizing our health, and seeking happiness beyond our professional pursuits. We must strike a delicate balance between following our passions and caring for ourselves and our loved ones. It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery and constant prioritization, but it’s a journey that is undeniably worth embarking on.