Finding a balance in 2010 Published Jan. 13, 2010 By Al Strait 21st Space Wing director of staff PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As we begin 2010, many of us will look at setting goals, breaking bad habits and trying new things. Whatever our goal, whatever our challenge, it is important to find the right balance in our lives, which can include many things depending upon each individual. For most of us, that balance includes mental, physical, spiritual and social elements. Other closely linked areas could include financial, safety, recreation, health, personality or family ties. These areas should sound familiar to most wing personnel as these are subjects we've focused on during last year's "Building Healthy Relationships" workshops and on Wingman days. Regardless of the level of balance we seek in 2010, we can find it all at Peterson. In the area of mental balance, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and the Mental Health Clinic offer a variety of programs. The A&FRC provides services to establish a work-life balance for our professional and personal needs. In addition, accredited financial counselors are available to assist with financial needs - everything from developing a basic budget, buying that first home or car, or planning for retirement. Employment classes are offered to assist retiring and separating servicemembers and family members in areas such as crafting a resume, job search techniques, and how to interview and secure that dream job. The school liaison officer advocates for the military child in our local community school system; the Mental Health Clinic offers stress management, anger management, family support classes and a host of other resources. For physical balance, the Health and Wellness Center offers a wide range of classes including more than 200 aerobic and spinning classes each month. If you want tips on changing your eating habits, how to stop smoking, or need your body fat and blood pressure checked, the HAWC team can do all of this and more. For physical balance, the fitness center and HAWC offer a variety of classes and tools to help Airmen become "Fit to Fight" and "Fit for Life" for 2010. Whether you are looking for spinning, yoga, pilates, step, or zumba classes, the fitness center offers more than 50 instructor-led classes six days a week to get you moving and keep you motivated. Combine that with 250 pieces of cardio and weight equipment, and there is no excuse for not finding our fitness balance. With drive, diet and direction, the HAWC can help Airmen establish nutrition, fitness and health plans and get you moving with a program to help you meet your wellness goals. For hands-on practical tools and tips to improve your lifestyle, the HAWC offers monthly cooking demonstrations and evening "Lighten Up" classes. Look for the six-week nutrition and fitness program to begin in February. It is designed to prepare Airmen for the 2010 new fitness testing standards that take effect in July, so having a healthy and fit 2010 is even more critical. When we focus on spiritual balance, the free exercise of religion is paramount to the chaplain corps and available to every Airman and civilian. The chapel provides a serene - yet exciting - place to develop one's personal spiritual readiness through worship, religious education, community outreach, and individual, faith-based, confidential counseling. In the area of social balance, take time to focus on your family. The operations-tempo in the Air Force today is very fast. We want the mission to succeed and sometimes the family suffers in meeting mission demands. So, the key is to find the balance where we take care of both our families and the mission. Another aspect of the social balance is being involved in the community and taking time to enjoy what it has to offer. Colorado Springs is a haven for activities and many of these are available at no cost. In closing, let me end with a couple of thoughts someone recently shared in finding that balance in my life. First, live with the "3 E's" - "Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy." Second, don't compare your life to others' - you have no idea what their journey is all about. Third, try to make at least three people smile each day. Fourth, do the right thing and finally, remember that the best is yet to come. 2010 will come and go, just as 2009 did. The challenge for all of us is to find that balance. I am sure if we find that balance we will be more productive at work, find greater joy with our families, and find greater happiness in ourselves.