Even before we started this year, I realized that I needed balance in 2023.

I’ve been fortunate to work for publishing companies that I love and will continue writing for, but the overlap finally caught up with me. I had to take a step back and reevaluate. How best to do that? On a long walk one morning, while I was pouring my heart out to the Lord and seeking His wisdom, I heard to word, balance.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Ps. 27:8

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Ps. 105:4

When we seek, God answers.

Trying to balance a busy life can be tricky, especially when you’ve let it become lopsided. But I’ve been making changes and have to say, I’m much happier. And that’s with a book due this week.

My goals for this year? Making time with family, exercise, eating right and spending more time outdoors.

One thing that has never changed, even with deadlines looming, is making sure I exercise. I’ve been taking an early morning class at my gym for years and would never give it up. Not only does it benefit my physical health, moving also keeps me sharp mentally. When I have a block in a story or need new ideas, I go to the gym and jump on a machine to get the creativity flowing. Before long I’ve figured out my problem and how to fix it.   

On the days I don’t take a class, I’ve started walking again. There is nothing as beautiful as being in nature while listening to praise music.

Now when it comes to my diet, hmm, that can be iffy. I’ll do really good for a long time, then eat things I know I shouldn’t. In fact, I did just that this weekend! Instead of stressing over it, I’ll do better tomorrow and go from there. See, already I’m making progress.

As far as family goes, I always made dates with my daughter, but had been a little lax with my husband. We started spending more time together and it has been a lot of fun.

Balance.

My point is, we all get to a point when we need to rearrange priorities or focus on what we value. It’s easy to get unbalanced, harder sometimes to acknowledge that fact and begin to make time for the important parts of our lives.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Perhaps taking a good look at your life is a great way to start 2023. Seeking answers from God will only enhance every aspect of daily living. God reminded me that He is good and I’m thankful that He loves and cares for me so much that He helped see a way out of a situation I had created.  

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HER SURPRISE HOMETOWN MATCH, available March 2023. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.