I have three basic rules that help me maintain a semblance of balance in my life. They are

1. Accept and own that you cannot do it all.
2. Prioritize what you do carefully and honestly.
3. Learn to say “no”.

The first of these was the hardest to accept. I have to remind myself constantly that I am not superwoman and there are only so many hours in each day. My husband is good at helping me with this one as he will check in with me and suggest that maybe it’s time to stop or let things go. He can see so much better than I when I am overextending and is not shy to call me on it.

Which takes me to the second rule, I have had to learn to prioritize honestly. There are always going to be things I want to do as opposed to things I have to do. I have to look carefully at myself and my abilities as I sort through my tasks and decide what I will do each day. Then I have to own the fact that if everything on the list does not get done, it’s okay.

Finally, I need to be real with myself about what I can do and when I should say “no, I just can’t do that”. Often the person I need to say no to is myself. I find that it is difficult for me to accept my limitations but I am learning how to stop and ask for help.

Balancing all of the hats I wear is not always easy to achieve, yet I will keep trying to make sure life works well for both of us.