In this blog series, we asked employees three questions about each of our seven core values.
Here’s what Shael McDonald, a contracts specialist in corporate risk management, had to say about our core value of “live a balanced life.”
“Living a balanced life, especially in such a dynamic ever-changing environment, is less about adhering to a rigid schedule and more about embracing the ebb and flow of life.”
What does “living a balanced life” mean to you?
Living a balanced life is a constant endeavor, a dance that often feels more like a struggle than a graceful waltz. When I think of balance, I think of scales perpetually in motion, seeking that elusive middle ground. However, most days feel more like trying to balance large rocks on small stones — an act of precarious stability that requires constant attention and adjustment.
Balance, in its ideal form, might seem like a perfect state of equilibrium, but life rarely affords us such luxury. Instead, I’ve come to appreciate the concept of harmony — a more forgiving approach that acknowledges life’s inherent imbalances. Harmony allows for grace when things tilt too far in one direction, offering a reminder that the pursuit of balance is a journey rather than a destination. It’s not about always getting it right but about finding a rhythm that works, even when the scales tip unexpectedly.
How do you live a balanced life at work?
In my professional life at Centric, achieving balance is less about struggle and more about prioritization and organization. These tools help me manage the demands of work without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve meticulously organized my Outlook email inbox and calendar with folders, flags and categorized colors, which makes it easier to prioritize my days, weeks and months. This system not only reduces clutter but also allows me to maintain a clear focus on what needs to be accomplished.
I am a firm believer in minimizing clutter and distractions, which is why I keep open tabs — whether they are apps or websites — to a bare minimum. Rarely will you find my laptop with more than 10 tabs open at a time. Similarly, my desktop is almost always free of clutter, as I mostly work from my taskbar. This minimalistic approach extends to my workspace as well, where I’ve transitioned from working with multiple monitors to relying solely on my laptop.
This shift was initially challenging, especially since I used to work with two or three monitors at once. However, when I decided to travel, I knew that I would have limited space, and extra monitors were out of the question. Adapting to a single screen required a learning curve, but it ultimately taught me the value of simplicity and focus.
Albert Einstein once said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From disorder, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” These words resonate deeply with me, especially in the context of my work life. By streamlining my tools and methods, I’ve found a way to maintain balance, even in the midst of chaotic days.
How do you live a balanced life in your personal life?
In my personal life, balance takes on a different form. As a part-time nomad traveling in my class B van from May to October, my life is in constant flux. The way I work, move, eat, and sleep changes dramatically during this period. Each day is a new adventure, often filled with the unpredictability of not knowing where I’ll end up by nightfall. This lifestyle demands a great deal of flexibility and adaptability, qualities that are essential to maintaining balance in a life on the move.
In this nomadic phase, I find that slowing down and observing my surroundings helps me stay grounded. I watch how the light changes the landscape throughout the day, how the galaxy rotates in the night, and observe animals and birds moving through their daily activities. These moments of stillness and connection to nature offer a counterbalance to the constant motion of my work and travels. In these ways and others, I appreciate Centric’s core values, culture, and remote capability, as they afford me the opportunity to enjoy my part-time nomadic life.
Living a balanced life, especially in such a dynamic ever-changing environment, is less about adhering to a rigid schedule and more about embracing the ebb and flow of life. It’s about finding harmony in the midst of movement and uncertainty, and adapting as needed. In both my work and personal life, the pursuit of balance is a continuous process — one that requires both effort and acceptance. By embracing harmony, I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of life with a little more ease, finding peace and giving myself grace during moments of imbalance.