Redefining Balance in a Busy Season


Marianne Preston

Coach- Life Transitions & Burnout Recovery

Newsletter:
September 22, 2025

Hey there Reader,

Redefining Balance in a Busy Season

When people talk about “balance,” they often picture calm, equal parts, everything perfectly aligned. But real balance rarely looks like that.

Balance is dynamic—it’s adjusting, shifting, and choosing what matters most in the moment.

And let me tell you, I had to relearn that myself this past week.

Like many of you, September always feels like a season of “more.”

After the slower pace of summer, life kicks into high gear. Work ramps up, committees restart, kids are back in school, family and social obligations pile on.

Suddenly, you’re running from one commitment to the next and wondering how you’re going to keep it all together.

A Story About Choosing What Matters

Just a few days ago, my husband asked me to go out on the boat with him.

Now, I had a list—a big one. Urgent tasks, semi-urgent tasks, things I felt I “had to do” before I leave for a solo trip.

My responsible voice told me, “No, stay home. You don’t have time.”

But my heart and body told me otherwise.

I love the water. I love being with him in that calm space where I can breathe deeper, feel more present, and remember what really matters.

So I went.

And it was worth it. Every bit of it. The calm, the laughter, the memory we created together—none of that would’ve happened if I had stayed home with my to-do list.

Did I end up working late the next night to catch up?

Yes.

But I wouldn’t trade that experience.

That, to me, was balance.

Not equal parts. Not perfect calm. Just listening to my inner voice and making a choice aligned with what matters most.

Asking for Help Is Part of Balance

Another lesson came when I looked at the yard project I had started—ripping up lawn, planning a garden, laying dirt.

I was feeling stressed because I couldn’t get it all done before my trip. Then my son came home, grabbed a shovel, and started helping.

And you know what? Relief washed over me.

Balance isn’t about doing it all alone. Sometimes it’s about asking, sometimes it’s about accepting help, and sometimes it’s about letting go of perfection. Half-done is often better than not done at all.

Practical Strategies for Redefining Balance

So how do you begin to bring balance back into your busy season? Here are a few steps I recommend:

1. Anchor your day with wellness.
Before you fill your calendar with obligations, block out 3–4 wellness intervals that are just for you.

  • A 30-minute walk with a friend (social + movement + fresh air).
  • A long bath, quiet meditation, or 15 minutes of reading in the sun.
  • Prepping nourishing meals so you fuel your body well.

These are not “extras.” They are the anchors that allow you to show up fully for the rest of your life.

2. Use your values as your compass.
When you’re overwhelmed by choices, revisit your core values. What do you most want your time and energy to reflect? The clearer you are, the easier it becomes to say yes—or no.

3. Get honest about trade-offs.
Every yes is a no to something else. Before you commit, pause and ask: What am I giving up? And is it worth it?

4. Journal to clarify your balance.
Here are three prompts to explore this week:

  • What feels out of balance right now?
  • Where could I create space by saying no?
  • What would balance feel like in my body this week?

Your Turn

This week, I encourage you to experiment.

Schedule your wellness first.

Notice where you can ask for help. Pay attention to the trade-offs you’re making. And most importantly—trust your intuition. Your body and heart often know the right answer before your mind does.

Balance isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most, right now.

A Call to Action

If this resonates with you and you’re longing for more clarity, peace, and energy in your life, I’d love to support you.

Balance isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we learn to create, even in the busiest seasons.

Click here to connect with me for coaching and let’s explore how you can redefine balance in your life and mange the change you are going through.

You deserve a life that feels aligned, joyful, and sustainable. Don’t wait—start now.

Staying Connected

As always Reader, if this has value for you drop me a line and please share this with anyone who you think may be interested.

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email: marianne@mariannepreston.com


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Hi, I’m a creator

I am a trauma -informed coach for women ready for change—through burnout, fear, and uncertainty—into lives full of clarity, purpose, and possibility. Mindset & wellness coaching to rediscover the path forward with self-trust and confidence for your next chapter.

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