Finding the Balance by Connie Berry

With the October 8^th launch of the second book in my Kate Hamilton Mystery series, I'm thinking about balance in my life. Is it even possible? Right now, getting that book out there for readers and reviewers is my priority—and a massive consumer of my time and energy. Where do I find space in a day to do all the other things that are important to me? Spending time with my family. Writing that third book. Getting exercise. Daily quiet time. Talks with friends. Keeping up with Facebook. Monitoring my website. Planning a getaway. Keeping accurate financial accounts. Thinking (yes, we introverts need daily time to assimilate and assess). And this list doesn't include necessary tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, walking the dog, medical appointments. And, oh yes, sleep.

Being an author requires serious administrative skills, and they don't often come easily or naturally to writers—at least not to me. Throughout the twenty-five years of my first career, I had an amazing administrator who took care of the details so I could focus on what I did best—teaching and training. What a gift that was. I could seriously use someone like that now. 

Since that isn't in the cards, I've come up with seven strategies to keep me on level ground—or a close proximity. I share them now with two goals: first, to encourage others who struggle with balance in life; and second, to encourage myself. 

Here they are:

1. PRIORITIZE. First things first. Put out the fires. Do what needs to be done right now.

2. MAKE A LIST. When a task is written down, it's halfway done in my book. At least I won't forget it. And think of the fun I'll have crossing it off.

3. COMPARTMENTALIZE. Refuse to give mental time and energy to fretting about what still needs to be accomplished. Focus on the task at hand. Complete it and then go on to the next item.

4. TAKE SHORTCUTS wherever possible. It's okay to grab Chipotle for dinner. Quick emails let friends know you still love them. The laundry won't go anywhere.

5. ASK FOR HELP. My husband is far better at financial stuff than I am. Someone else can get my newsletter formatted and published in far less time than I can. When people offer to help, say yes.

6. REMEMBER "THIS TOO SHALL PASS." One of my Grandma's favorite sayings. After the holidays things will lighten up and calm down. They really will. And life will return to what passes for normal around here.

7. BE THANKFUL. The reason I'm busy right now is because I've had the joy and privilege of writing and publishing two mystery novels. Not everyone gets to see their dreams come true. I am a blessed woman.