Finding Balance by Melinda Curtis

My New Year’s resolution actually started last September. As an empty-nester, I’d gotten into the habit of working long days. I’d get to my computer by 7:30 am (after the Today Show’s first half hour), and turn off my laptop at 9 pm (when my 3 pm caffeine hit faded). In September, I realized I’d written five books in 2013. When I told Mr. Curtis, he gave me the look that said, “Uh, yeah. I knew that.”

Reality check. I needed life balance. I wanted to find balance, it was just…work always beckoned. My writing muse wanted to Riverdance some more. But even I had to admit, I was tired, maybe even burnt out.

And so it was in September that I made an effort to disconnect. I took Saturdays off to go to run errands and go to the movies with my husband (even the bad movies). I made friends at the gym. Those friends convinced me to run some fun 5k races (running doesn’t begin to describe my pace). I made time to visit my mom. But I was still tired and maybe – as my daughter pointed out – I was missing my kids more than I wanted to let on and replacing them with work.

One day, I saw someone on Facebook post a picture of a puppy in need of a home. A small puppy, a happy puppy, a puppy that needed love and attention and training. A puppy who seemed to need me when no one else did anymore. Tally slowed down my production schedule. She slowed down my life. But she was so much work! And then a funny thing happened – I found balance! Tally gave me a reason to stop and have lunch away from my desk, to take walks when the sun came out, to play ball in the backyard. She also created reasons for Mr. Curtis and I to spend time together beyond bad movies and stale popcorn.

Yes, we take Tally on 5K Runs in a stroller!

At this time of year, when we’re recovering from the rush of the holidays and thinking ever-so-briefly about the year ahead and the changes we’d like to make, I’m not recommending bringing home a puppy. Instead, I’ll say you have permission to seek out more balance or health or love or whatever would make you happier in whatever avenue best suits you. But first, you have to get up out of your chair to do it!

Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities to disconnect, to redirect, and to reconnect to what’s important in life. What are you missing when you sit too long at the keyboard or spend too much time away from your family?

Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet romances for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes independently published, hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.” Melinda is married to her college sweetheart, and has three kids in college. She follows the NFL because one young quarterback is from her hometown, and follows Duke basketball because Mr. Curtis has a man crush on Coach K. You can learn more about Melinda and her books at www.MelindaCurtis.net.