Finding inner balance does not require major changes.  You really do not have to mediate on a mountain to feel at peace, though meditating does help!  Finding true balance starts from the inside.  No matter what else is happening in life, it all starts within you.

Sometimes life can seem out of control when you have things coming at you from all directions.  I have certainly felt overwhelmed and just plain tired at times.  However, I do have some things I want to share that help me find my inner peace and balance.  I hope you will find some use for these methods in your life. 

1.    Being flexible is a real help.  I don't mean being able to do back flips.  The biggest stress for me is expecting too much.  Do you ever get an idea of how your life "should" be?  Then it turns out a little different and along comes the disappointment again.  It can be very annoying and stressful.  Learn to go with the flow and get rid of the expectations that are unrealistic.  Control is an illusion.  The best you can do is learn to stay on top of the changes.

    Staying in a flexible mind makes you better able to deal with problems.  When you are not working with fixed ideas of how things should be, you can handle things in an easier manner without all the stress.  You already have problem solving skills.  Try to get a little creative with it and sail right through the drama and anxiety.  If you learn to bend a bit, you are much less likely to break.

2.      Find the quiet time.  It is necessary.  One the first things everyone does when they are really busy is to cut out the personal time.  Finding quiet time allows you to restore your energy so that taking care of your obligations does not feel like a burden all the time.  If you devote all of your energy and time to taking care of others, what is left over for you? 

    Quiet time is essential to finding inner balance.  You will be amazed at what happens when you make time for yourself.  Even if you believe you don't have the time, you must make it happen.  The increased energy and uplifted mood will vastly improve your focus.  If you have energy and focus, you will get plenty accomplished!  Spend a few minutes on a regular basis meditating or reading a book.  It will work wonders. 

3)      Start taking care of YOU.  There are many ways to love yourself and feel nurtured every day.  Getting enough sleep is a really good start.  Eating right, exercising and speaking to yourself kindly are great helps.  Even the tiniest aggravation can seem like a major nightmare when you're all stressed and have run out of energy due to lack of sleep.  Have you noticed that when you feel rested and calm, handling upsets is a whole lot easier?  You need to be consistent in making sure your energy and peace are replenished regularly.  This will give you the strength you need to get through anything that comes up.

    One thing I have found that restored my peace was letting go of responsibilities and obligations that no longer held any joy for me.  Things that are a drain on my time and energy have been replaced with things that I enjoy and that have meaning for me.  Just because I wanted to host the weekly jewelry making party a year ago, does not mean I have to keep doing this if it is taking more than I get from it.  I realized the world really would not end if I turned my attention to other things. 

    Letting go of things that no longer bring you joy will create space for inner balance, peace and fulfillment. 
Here is the real secret.  If you take care of yourself, you can give your attention to the other things that matter in life.