Here at Dashing Dish, one of the most common questions I get asked most is, “How in the world do I balance in all?” As a busy wife, mom, friend, daughter, sister, and entrepreneur, I often feel i'm missing the mark when it comes to balance, but I have found there are some key things that help! So today I'm sharing some of the KEYS that help keep my life balanced more often than not, but I don't in any way come from a place of perfection, in fact i'm always growing and learning! That being said, here are five keys that help me stay balanced and on track...

1. I write down my schedule at the beginning of every single week.

I have a weekly planner that I fill out at the beginning of each week with appointments, to-do's, and plans. It helps me so much to see my week at a glance, so I can get a feel for the week ahead. I can plan my meals, talk with my husband, make work plans, and plan fun things with friends and family based on what the week will look like.

2. I have a list of priorities that I keep every single day.

Regardless of what the week has in store, there are certain priorities that help keep me healthy mind, body, and spirit that I keep a priority despite everything else going on that day. I wake up at 5 am on weekdays to ensure I have time to complete most of these daily priorities before the rest of the house wakes up! A few priorities I have each day are spending time with Jesus, moving my body, and getting ready for the day. These are pretty much non-negotiables, and keeping them a priority help me complete the daily tasks with much more strength, clarity, and grace!

3. I plan ahead when possible.

As much as possible, I try to plan ahead. I'm not always able to plan for everything in life, but if possible, planning ahead for things (big and small) help me maintain peace during the busy week days. For the most part, I try to have a general sense for what I will be making for dinner during the week, I have a plan for work and actives, and I have a plan for family time and being intentional to connect. I typically plan ahead a week or even a month ahead for the things I am able so when "life" happens and throws something unexpected there are at least some things that I dont have to worry or think about!

4. I make time to rest and enjoy life.

Over the years one of the biggest "balance" keys that has become increasingly important to me is learning to rest and take time to enjoy life. This used to be something that was extremely challenge for me. I have always been very good at being productive, but slowing down is something that doesn't come as easy, so much so that it started to impacted my health years ago. I finally started to make changes that incorporated fun and rest, and I have realized that THIS is true balance! God never intended us to rush through life, staying so busy that we didn't take time to enjoy the things around us! I now keep it a priority to spend daily time with my kids and husband, and to sit and enjoy meals, a cup of coffee, and spend time connecting with friends and family.

5. I purpose to keep God first in everything.

Above all else, I ask the Lord to guide my steps and direct my path every single day. I try to remind myself that He is a God of peace and order. Despite my well laid plans, I give Him permission to reorder my day if He desires to, because I know His plans are always best. I know if I surrender my plans to Him daily and lean on Him for direction, He will always direct my path in the way of true balance that leads to peace!