Finding Balance in Today's Chaotic World: A Guide to Finding Peace and Stillness

I genuinely love seeing people happy. Stress-free, thriving, being loved, and having that glow on their faces. I love it when people are soft with themselves and do the kinds of things that make their hearts smile. I love it when people immerse themselves and dip their toes in puddles of delight; when they walk away from things that don't in any way wish them well. I love it when people are unapologetic about living lives on their own terms, paving a way for themselves even if it does not make sense for others out there; this kind of happiness looks good on everyone and it's the kind I certainly wish upon you.

There are way too many of us who do not know how to be still and savor a moment. Too many of us are getting suffocated by our own chaos. You could be at the dinner table with your family but have a series of thoughts swimming through your mind. Did you pay for the kid's aftercare or piano lessons? Are you going to have enough time to stop by the dry cleaners tomorrow after work? What are you going to cook tomorrow for dinner after work? Or wear it to the corporate dinner tomorrow evening? What about the present moment... The ones where you get to listen to your partner tell you all about their day? Does your little one tell you about the frogs that they caught today at playtime? The moments where you engage in meaningless banter about which ice cream flavor is best, or which basketball team is winning the game over the next coming weekend. Don't you think that these moments matter more than crossing another item off your to-do list?

There seem to be never-ending demands for our time. There's always an extra email that needs to be responded to. One more report needs to be mailed. Another appointment. Another commitment. It just won't stop. There's always time for them, but what about you? Where do you fit in? Where is that space for you? Most importantly, what do you want to create space for amongst all of this?

A life of balance is a life that takes all the elements of your life, pieces them together, and like a mosaic, brings to life a work of art that is understood by you alone. A balanced life is a collection of experiences, lessons, failures, and successes that help you get to know who you are; it's when everything comes together, and you realize that you don't have to have to be everything all at once to everyone. That you are allowed to say no and not feel guilty about it.

Together, we're going to navigate and figure out what a balanced life looks like to you. It's fun. It's full of surprises. Some are pleasant and some, not so much. It's a process that is really going to pull you outside of your comfort zone and stretch you (emotionally, mentally, and physically) in the best ways possible. There are questions that you'll be asked, questions that might challenge the reality that you are living in right now; questions that won't even make sense until you put them into practice.

You are here right now, and that means that something spectacular is waiting for you just around the bend. The distant things that you've always wanted to prioritize are going to become just that... priorities. You are finally going to figure out who you are, and that'll help you become the better mom, dad, sister, or brother that you've always wanted to become. It'll definitely feel as if the whole universe is conspiring in your favor--that is what intention does after all. It gathers up all that is meant to be yours and lines it perfectly in your way.

When I write something, I try to have a purpose for writing. Sometimes, the purpose is to merely entertain or tell an engaging story. I dedicated many years of my life to helping people achieve optimal health through diet and exercise. I have authored a couple of books, make journals and planners and work as a recovery coach, dedicated to helping people live better lives.

After graduating from nursing school, I pursued my passion for healthcare by becoming an RN and working at a local hospital. I was dedicated to my career, family and community. As a married mother of two daughters, I balanced my responsibilities as a parent and a member of the community while also maintaining my own physical and mental well-being through an active and healthy lifestyle. Throughout it all, I thrived and achieved a fulfilling life.

Born and raised in East Tennessee, my life took a tragic turn when I met with a devastating accident while riding my bicycle near Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains. I was sideswiped rounding a bend, and suffered debilitating back and knee injuries. But despite the setback, I refused to let it defeat me. After this incident, I was determined to take control of my recovery and my life and find a way to heal. I turned to nutrition and exploration of mind and body as a way to cope with my grief and eventually decided to pursue a career helping others do the same.