Theres an interesting concept that comes with greatness.  The theory that there is a shadow it casts that — depending on the person — can consume everything else in their life.

We, as a whole, set out to fulfill dreams, desires, and an overall success in a specific area; but what we dont always realize is the shadow that forms behind us.

What is it that you focus on — Your family? Your job? Your relationships with other people? School studies? Appearance? Money? Fame?

This article is about forming balance….making time for everything in your life.  The more we focus on one specific aspect — the longer and darker our shadow becomes.

It falls over your children, your family, your friends, acquaintances and coworkers. It covers your path — both forward and past. It becomes so full and encompassing that when you finally reach your greatness…you’re the only one in the spotlight.  But what has that really done for you?

The answer is nothing…but it has cost you everything….and that expense was most likely more than what you ever expected to pay.

You’ve reached the top of the “mountain” you set out to climb and now that you’re there you feel lost, out of control, and without a sense of purpose.  You sit down and enjoy the sites, but have noone to share it with.  You enjoy the moment of peace and completion, but that feeling is fleeting.

Why?

Immediately your brain is telling you how you should have climbed that mountain differently.  It’s telling you you should have shared it with someone. That you should have taken a more scenic path or that you should have taken more breaks along the way.

This is the exact feeling that most people feel when they become disabled or are laying on their death bed. People are so focused on one particular success that they completely forget the importance of everything else in their life.  But why?

The shadow.

All along, the shadow was there …. quietly  growing behind every decision that was being made.  Without even noticing — it grew to twice the size of that “mountain” that you were trying to climb.

So what’s your shadow side? What are you leaving behind that would bring so much more value to your life?

It seems to me that we better take the time to look around and see what we’ve been missing before it’s too late.

— K.B. Lever