Over the last month, I've spent some time reflecting on how to regain some balance in my life so that I can accomplish the things I need to accomplish, do some fun things, be a good citizen, and still have time to take care of myself.

In doing that, I kept finding myself repeating the same phrase time and again: "if I could just get even." If I could get caught up on all my projects. If I could get the house in proper order. If I could get an appropriate diet and exercise regimen in place. If I could send all the letters and make all the calls I owe. If I could eat the food crowding my pantry, fridge, and freezer. If I could just get to that cleared starting field, everything would be better.

But that place — like Shangri-la and Oz and Narnia — it's a myth. That place doesn't exist. I'll never get there and continued efforts to find it will just add to my frustration. I have to find a way to live in the world as it exists. In Friday's blog, I'll discuss some of the options I've considered.