As moms we often where many hats we juggle household chores; help with homework, chauffeur kids to extracurricular activities, squeeze in some volunteer work and have a career.
Then there's the appointments that needs to be made, a house project that was started but never quite completed and the list goes on and on.
In the midst of it all we try to strive for balance.
What is balance? If you look it up in the dictionary it will mention something along the lines of having equilibrium, like a level teeter totter.
No wonder balance always seems to be just out of reach! It's the pursuit of perfection.
If we shouldn't strive for balance then what? Harmony is a more worthwhile pursuit.
Your life is made up of many vital areas including health, family, work, spiritual, relationships, recreation, personal growth and more.
We shouldn't try to give 100% in each of these areas every day; rather it's more about setting priorities and making choices.
There may be days when we decide to devote less time in certain areas the key to not feeling guilty is to realize that you made a conscious decision to make something else a priority rather than ignoring an area.
Making a choice is very powerful and empowering which allows you to have a life that aligns with your values.
In the long run when you spend sufficient quantity and quality of time in those areas you will have more harmony.
When you're ready to bring more harmony into your life follow these tips:

1. Simplify - Don't over commit yourself.
   Say no sometimes and yes to only what you really value and want to do.
   Being busy for busy sake is no fun and often leads to a chaotic life and household.
   
2. De-stress - Stress is not all bad.
   But when it becomes chronic or seems to take over your day it's time to take a step back.
   Ask yourself what are your stressors? How can you eliminate them? If you can't eliminate them you can react to them differently.
   You can choose to not let stress get under your skin.
   
3. Play - Take some time to have some fun and rejuvenate.
   Shut off the running monologue in your head of what needs to get done, and spend some one-on-one time with your children and family.
   They will appreciate the time you spend with them and what might have seemed to be an overwhelming situation after some time of play often is manageable.
   
4. Slow Down- As moms we are often pulled in many directions.
   We try to get everything done which means we are typically running at warp speed.
   We often miss out on beautiful sunsets, the changes of the leaves, the precious moments of a snuggle, being silly and playing tickle with our little ones.
   Ask yourself what is most enjoyable and rewarding to your family? Don't spend your precious time doing things that aren't aligned to you and your family values.
   
5. Nurture Yourself - As mom's we tend to make sure everyone else is getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals and is active but when it comes to ourselves it's an afterthought.
   As caregivers it's as important as ever to be sure we make time for our physical, mental and spiritual health.
   When you take care of yourself we are less stressed and can handle challenges that come our way and most importantly we become moms, that are healthier, happier and in harmony.