Just Breathe

*Cue Anna Nalick* lol

Sometimes Bookstagram and the book world will leave you feeling pressured, like you have to keep up with the rest of the world. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m a slow reader and keeping up with the reading pace of everyone else, along with being a full time single mom, balancing sports schedules (theirs and my own), an new entrepreneur and working a 10 hour work day (that starts my day bright and early at 4am for a workout), life can get exhausting. BUT I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

The key is finding balance. After our last book discussion, the lovely members of our BGM Facebook group talked me off the ledge and told me not to read so much if my schedule didn’t allow it (thank you, ladies!). I was taking on far too much. A year ago, reading 4 books a month was reasonable, but my schedule has since changed drastically and I’m just simply too busy. And with my exhaustion comes the lack of reading or the will to want to read.

Audiobooks have been clutch for me, but with receiving ARCs (Advanced Readers Copy) from publishers, sometimes reading a physical copy of a book is unavoidable. Yesterday on Twitter, I announced that I was going to lessen my time on social media and pick up a book instead and read. My goal is to read at least 40 pages per day. So far I made it through day 1 but *plot twist* one of my kiddos has a game this evening which will allow me little to no reading time during the evening hours. We shall get through it somehow though. 🙂

All that to say, find balance in life and stop overwhelming yourself with too many things on your plate. Instead of half-assing 5 things, pick the 3 most important things to you, do them and do them well. I want to take pride in anything I touch and/or has my name on it and never want to half do anything if I can help it.

Here are some key things that help me stay balanced:

• REST! When your body is speaking to you, LISTEN!
• Exercise – I take 30 minutes out of my day to help clear my mind by exercising. It’s also a great way to start the day too.
• Meditation – Get still! This too will help put you in a good space.
• Saying No. It doesn’t all have to be done at this very moment. Only take on what’s necessary and plan ahead so that you’re not doing things last minute.
• Write. Writing for me is therapeutic and brings me joy. Even something as small as jotting down a list of to the days to-do’s.

What are some things that you do to stay balanced between resting and the hustle?