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My Gen X Playlist: Get the Balance Right – Depeche Mode

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Daily writing prompt
What details of your life could you pay more attention to?
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I made the switch to pay more attention to health about five months ago. Eating healthier, walking, keeping hydrated and stress reduction have been the focal points. I’ve miraculously dropped thirty pounds and am now back at my college weight. I’ve always tried to get back in shape over the decades, but usually I was too tired at the end of the day and the drive fizzled out. There’s nothing like a trip to the emergency room to light a fire under you. Fortunately, the recent ER visit was precautionary and I was fine, but sitting in the waiting room reminds you of what’s important. Health. Time.

I decided to take a short break from work as part of my stress reduction goal. I’d been standing waist deep in job burnout for over a year. It’s kind of a big deal to step down and rest because it’s so unlike me. I never rest. I’m accustomed to going 200 mph every day and coming to a screeching halt brought me to new territory. I’m learning, though, that the body can only go so far at that speed. The paint job may look fine on the outside, but the motor on the inside needs some time and TLC. I’m very grateful to have this time off.

The challenge going forward is maintaining this healthier lifestyle after re-entering my career. The time off has done miracles and I cannot let my progress get derailed with a work/life imbalance. I need to be discerning in the next position, but I’m optimistic because the lessons are engrained in my head. I’m going to make it work.

I haven’t listened to Depeche Mode in ages, so this one brings back good memories. Get the Balance Right was released in 1983 and gave some sage advice.

. . . explore different aspects of life and seek harmony between conflicting priorities.

. . . achieving this balance leads to a more fulfilled and contented existence.

– OldTimeMusic

The lyrics really didn’t have much meaning when I was kid. After all, what is there to balance for a sixteen year old? It didn’t really matter because I still sang along regardless. Get the Balance Right was a cool song to bob your head and dance to. And back then, that was more than enough.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

There's more besides joyrides
The little house in the countryside
Understand, learn to demand
Compromise, and sometimes lie

Get the balance right
Get the balance right

Be responsible, respectable
Stable but gullible
Concerned and caring, help the helpless
But always remain ultimately selfish

Get the balance right
Get the balance right

When you think you've got a hold of it all
You haven't got a hold at all
When you reach the top, get ready to drop
Prepare yourself for the fall
You're gonna fall
It's almost predictable (Almost)

Don't turn this way, don't turn that way
Straight down the middle until next Thursday
First to the left, then back to the right
Twist and turn 'til you've got it right

Get the balance right
Get the balance right
Get the balance right
Get the balance right
(Almost)
Get the balance right
Get the balance right
(Almost)
Get the balance right
Get the balance...

19 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Get the Balance Right – Depeche Mode”

  1. Doug loves Depeche Mode I feel you about going from 200mph to standing still. When I became fully disabled, I went from working 3 jobs to… not working. It’s a weird feeling.

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    1. Wow. I can’t imagine how difficult that shift must have been. Hope you are able to find the right balance. It’s difficult getting used to slowing down. It’s been in interesting transition for me.

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  3. It’s wonderful that you’re taking better care of yourself. 💕

    It’s funny because I just heard this song for the first time on XM 1st Wave yesterday, and now you’re writing about it. This kind of thing makes me happy.

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  4. I wasn’t familiar with that song, so I just watched the video on YouTube. So 80’s! Cool, but weird. Happy for you that you are healthier and seeking balance in your life. I feel like I am on that same journey.

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  6. Congrats on the weight loss! My old doctor used to say it is all downhill after you turn 40. I live in a neighborhood with mostly retirees and some of them really blow my mind sometimes with what they do. I feel like I’m older than them sometimes. 😅😂 I guess it is different for people who actually treated their bodies better all along. Hey, better late than never, eh? 😁

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  7. Route 66 tickled our last summer’s adventures… Petrified Forest, Flagstaff and our hike up the Mount Elden + many more stops, Just me, hiking buddies, hubby and our 4-yr old member Mocha, the Saint Bernard. Pix are always posted on WP travel blog. Dee/Cheers

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