Hello to all of Cynthia’s friends! Michelle here, from Crazy*Running*Legs and I have a confession for you: One of my biggest pet peeves is when people complain about how they don’t have time to fit in regular exercise.

Excuse me for being judgmental for a minute, but unless you work 80 hours a week and have 5 kids (or you’re a single parent – I seriously bow down to you!) I really don’t want to hear it. I just don’t feel bad for you. This may seem a little harsh, but here’s the reality - there’s always time it’s just a matter of making it a priority and fitting it into your schedule.

I’m a mom of 2, I work a full-time job, and recently trained for a marathon. I also blog, watch way too much TV for my own good, and I love to read. When I write that all down it seems like a lot and I can see why people ask me “How do you do it all?” But truthfully, I have a secret and today I’m going to share it with you… I DON’T.

What works for me doesn’t work for everyone – but I do think I’ve found the true key to balance – it involves setting priorities, learning how to say no, being able to ask for help, and being married to a really, really great guy. Simple, right?

I do think setting priorities is key. Let’s get this straight, family is ALWAYS first. I center my life around my husband and kids. Exercise, my health, and setting a good example are also important so in order to accomplish both priorities I workout/run while everyone else is asleep. This does mean either an earlier bedtime or less sleep (in my case it’s usually less sleep) – but it’s worth it.

Also important is friendship. You NEED FRIENDS. Whether online or in real life, you need someone to get silly with. You know what’s NOT a priority? Cleaning. My house isn’t dirty or anything – but sometimes I don’t sweep/clean my floors and sometimes there are toys everywhere. (So true for me too!…minus the toys.)  It’s OK though – the kids are just making memories

A huge milestone for me is learning how to say no – as well as accepting that you can’t please everyone. I have learned the hard way that overextending myself is NOT WORTH IT. It rarely works out and makes absolutely NOBODY happy. So next time you feel stretched too thin, think of you priorities and just say no.

Along with saying no – it’s also quite OK to ask for help. YOU ARE NOT SUPER(WO)MAN. When you are stressed out and need a helping hand it’s ok to call a friend or a love one and say so. There’s no award for pretending that you are perfect – because chances are – nobody thinks you are and they love you just the same!

And finally – I am really able to “Do it all” because I have a great partner in crime. For the most part – my hubby and I are a team and he enables me to seek out new goals and dreams.

So the next time you think finding balance or fitting in your priorities – remember that someone out there busier than you (and I don’t necessarily mean me!) is getting it done – somehow, some way – and that you can do it too!!

(Thanks Cynthia for letting me hijack your blog!!) {No THANK YOU! …and you’re welcome. }