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The Balance Project & A Give Away

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I’ve got your next poolside/beach read! 

My dear friend, Susie Schnall has just published her sophomore novel, The Balance Project and it is a page turner! 

The Balance Project is a story of loyalty, choices and balance that will resonate deeply with all women who struggle with this hot-button issue. Loyal assistant, Lucy Cooper works for Katherine Whitney, who seems to have it all: a high-powered job at a multibillion dollar health and wellness lifestyle company, a successful husband and two adorable daughters. Now with the release of her book on work-life balance, Katherine has become a media darling and a hero to working women everywhere. In reality, though, Katherine’s life is starting to fall apart, and Lucy is the one holding it all together, causing her own life–and her relationship with boyfriend, Nick –to suffer. When Katherine does something unthinkable to Lucy, she must decide whether to change Katherine’s life forever or continue being her main champion. Her choice will affect the trajectory of both their lives and lead to opportunities neither one could have imagined.

author, Susie Orman Schnall
PPT: Before there was The Balance Project, a novel, there was the actual Balance Project. Will you tell my readers about that and what made you interested in the topic?
SOS: I started The Balance Project interview series because I was so curious about how women whom I admired seemed to juggle all the balls so well while I was struggling so much trying to strike a balance between being the mother I wanted to be and having the career I wanted to have. So I decided to formalize my curiosity. From the beginning, I asked my interviewees to be honest and authentic about their own struggles with balance, because my goal is not to perpetuate this ideal of superwoman who can do it all perfectly all the time. Instead, my goal is to eradicate that concept because it makes women feel inadequate and feel like failures. I want to do my part to expose the fact that women who we think are doing it all so expertly, really aren’t. I want to share true stories that make all of us feel a little bit better about our own struggles because it makes us realize, truly realize, that we’re not alone. These interviews inspired me to write The Balance Project because I wanted to explore this oft-discussed topic through fiction and through the eyes of both a 45-year-old mom and her single 25-year-old assistant.
PPT: What did you learn, that either surprised you or confirmed things for you, from interviewing a broad cross section of women?
SOS: Most importantly, I learned that every woman is making sacrifices. It shouldn’t have surprised me but it did in a way. I had always convinced myself that other women really could manage “it all”. But, when I started digging, I realized that some women sacrifice sleep. Some sacrifice relationships. Every woman sacrifices something because there just aren’t enough hours in the day not to. No one can find success in every realm of her life (work, kids, marriage, self, etc.) without making sacrifices. At least in the long-term. It’s just not sustainable. That was a liberating realization for me and reaffirming because I am very protective about certain parts of my life — there are certain things I just won’t sacrifice — and that informs all my other decisions about what I can and can not devote time to. I feel more settled about all of that now. The interviews also revealed — among many, many other things — that cooking is a slog for a lot of women, and many find it difficult to make time for themselves.
PPT: How do you define balance in your own life?
SOS: My stomach does. When I am not balanced, I don’t feel “well” and I feel it all in the pit of my stomach. A lingering feeling of anxiety. I don’t feel balanced when there’s too much on my plate. I need a lot of white space. So, unfortunately, I don’t have exactly the career I would like. I’m not taking advantage of all the professional opportunities I’d like to, but I have the career that’s right for me because it allows me to be the type of mother that feels right to me and it allows me to devote time to the other things in my life — my marriage, my personal interests, my friends, sleep! — that are critical to me and my feelings of wellbeing. I always like to point out that I’m exceptionally grateful that I have those choices to make. I realize that’s a luxury. 
PPT: Do you have a motto or mantra that you try to live by?
SOS: “You can do everything you want to do, just not at the same time.” AND “What are you going to do with your one wild and precious life”. So many of my interviewees have included amazing quotes in their interviews. Some day I’m going to type them all out and hang them on my wall!

Susie’s book would make a great book club read and she’ll even come to or Skype with your club! For one lucky ready, Susie’s publisher, SparkPress, is giving away one copy.
And, because we all need a fresh beach/pool bag each summer, I’m going to coordinate with the winner for a Lands End bag in their color choice and fill it with some of my favorite summer must-have products. And, then you’ll have a place to tuck in your new book!

Open to all U.S. readers only — leave a comment below with how you find balance in your own life. Please be sure to leave an email address if you aren’t a blogger,  so I can contact you directly when you win! (I promise, I never share or sell your email addresses!)

How do you find balance in your life?

Give away ends at midnight EST on Sunday, May 3rd. Winner announced via the blog/facebook/twitter/instagram on Wed, May 6th. Winner will be given 72 hours to respond once contacted to ensure timely conclusion of the give away. 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth,
    Great giveaway and I really must admit that since you shared Susie's book, it has been on my list to read! I find balance;
    1. Giving myself oxygen first! Like they say in the plane, you have to administer it to yourself before you can give it to others. Not an easy thing for us Moms!
    2. Asking or hiring help because I cannot do it all.
    3. Connecting with others to realize we are all trying to balance a lot.
    4. Nutrition helps me to stay balanced and that is so important for everything else, so I always have lots of fresh produce and lots of lemons for my lemon water!
    5. Take time to stop. To smell, to taste, to listen, to touch, to see – the good in everyone.
    6. Kindness. Give and get involved. I am always much happier when I am involved and volunteering or helping another.
    7. Make time to read!
    xo
    Patricia
    pve design

  2. Ana amazing giveaway Elizabeth! Balance in my life means taking the time to go for walks, to read, to sketch, to pay it forward in any way possible!! Thank you for the opportunity!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

  3. I've put this book on my must read list. I have a few habits that help me feel like I have a little control over the chaos that is a working mom's life.

    1. Make my bed everyday ~ weird but I like a peaceful bedroom.
    2. Clean my kitchen before I go to bed. Another simple thing but again less stress when I wake up.
    3. Journal ~ I write down what has me anxious or what I'm grateful for.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  4. Hi Elizabeth, Thanks so much for this very interesting interview with Susie. I loved her first book and have The Balance Project loaded into my Kindle – it will be my read on our girls trip this weekend, which I think will be just perfect! Can't wait to dive in.

    Balance. It's something we all are looking for isn't it? I always thought it was my big corporate job that kept me from being balanced, but I'm learning as I try to kick my work as an artist into high gear that it's just life. And Susie's right, there are sacrifices.

    I think she hit the nail on the head when she said you have to know what you just won't sacrifice. I've become much more protective of my time lately. Sadly, I've had to cut back a bit on being social and entertaining, but I'm hoping I can pick those things up again at some point.

    The most important thing for me is exercise. I do Barre3 6-7 times a week – ironically we work a lot on literal balance in that class. I find that if I feel strong and healthy, I'm much less likely to go bonkers when something gets out of whack with my life. I can be gentler with others and myself, which is key to well being, I think.

    And on that note, I'm off to Barre! Going early this morning so I can fit all the other things into my day (sacrificing sleep this time, but that's ok – yay, coffee!)

    Thanks for a wonderful, thought provoking post. Wish we could sit down and talk about it in person over a glass of wine. Looking forward to May and July!

    Hope you have a "balanced" day! XOXO

  5. Balance is something that at 55 years old I'm still trying to achieve. In the early years it was young children and balance and now it is grown children, grandchildren, spouse, dog and balance. I try to take care of my self first by exercising every day. It helps set the tone for my entire day. Great giveaway. Would love the book for my bookclub and great tote for the beach. beachcarr4@aol.com

  6. I try to find a few minutes to myself each day–to read or to knit or to take a walk. I also do acupuncture a few times a month and that helps with centering me.

  7. That looks like a great book that I will put on my list for sure. Balance for me comes when I put time for myself at the top of the to do list. Whether it is walking my dog, working in my garden, reading or just having a quiet cup of coffee, the time spent recharging is what gives me my balance. Have a wonderful day and thanks for letting us know about the book!

  8. I make sure that everything is in it's place before I sit down for the evening. It might mean missing the first 5 minutes of Scandal 🙂 but it truly helps to clear my mind and it also makes for a much less frantic morning when everyone knows where to find their stuff! jordan294@comcast.net

  10. What a terrific giveaway! Well for me, the best way to find balance is in the quiet times – when I deliberately put it all aside and read a great book. I do it every day, no matter how busy, and it helps me regain my equilibrium. I put the book down ready to refocus and get on with the rest of the day, or if in the evening, unwind and recharge for the next day.

  11. I find balance by making sure I do some reading every day. If I don't I start to feel anxious and stressed out. Reading is my therapy!

    sfsabiaATgmailDOTcom

  12. Elizabeth,

    When you mentioned your friend and the book last week I put it on my list and it is now on my Kindle!

    I find balance in my life by reading, exercising, volunteer work and spending my time wisely doing the things that bring me the most joy and peace.

    I love this give-away! I think everyone needs a tote, and a good book for Sumemer.

  13. Hi! One way I find balance is spending time alone. .I love spending a few quiet hours writing a blog post, creating a style set on polyvore or simply reading the Bible. Everyone MUST take time for themselves. Do whatever makes you happy & at peace.

    Debra
    stylewisebydebra.com

  14. Hi! One way I find balance is spending time alone. .I love spending a few quiet hours writing a blog post, creating a style set on polyvore or simply reading the Bible. Everyone MUST take time for themselves. Do whatever makes you happy & at peace.

    Debra
    stylewisebydebra.com

  15. I am so excited for the release of Susie's book…I love "On Grace". Balance…it is the word I chose for 2015 and, unfortunately, I must admit, I haven't been doing too well at achieving it. I am still settling into my "new normal" of working pretty much full time, albeit from home. I need to take some lessons from the other commenters and learn to put myself first. I do try to unwind at the end of the day with a nice dinner and a glass of wine with my husband, and quite often a relaxing bath and a good book. Thanks for sharing this giveaway, Elizabeth!! xoxo

  17. Ah, balance… there's a tough one to find. As I approach a milestone birthday I've been really working at accentuating the positive and making time for people that matter to me rather than projects that keep me busy. And I have to say, it feels really great!

  18. Please count me in, this is one book I want/need to read, I think we all need to share what it is we find works to create a perfect balance (assuming there is even such a thing)!
    Just when I think I have it all worked out, life throws me a curveball like right now being sick and at home, knowing how much there is to do..oh well! I love the idea of the totebag getting thrown in…what a wonderful duo. Thank you to you both!

  19. PS The only one thing that to me is a sure thing to create/maintain balance is taking time out for oneself even if its only 15 min. a day whether it is to go sit outside under the sun, take a brisk walk, a power nap or a quick manicure, it is vital for balance to have a little "me" time in the middle of all the crazy!

  21. I just try to take things week-by-week, day-by-day, or even minute-by-minute if I have to. Somehow what really needs to get done, gets done. Even if nothing else does.
    k3kdpv at gmail dot com

  22. Wow! I am currently reading On Grace, and completely cannot set it down. This gal is fantastic at conveying how we as women approach our lives.
    How do I balance my life, great question. When I need a solution or feeling overwhelmed I go for walk, weed the garden… Connect with nature. In doing so I gain clarity and a strong plan to move forward on the task at hand, big or small.
    All the best
    Sharon @zoesfrontporch

  23. It is so hard to find balance. my life is about running around for everyone else (kids hubby) and struggling to take care of my own needs. But the one things I do that keeps me sane is going to bed early and making time to read before bed. it unwinds me and clears my head from the chaos of the day. I would melt without that time!

  25. I try to find balance in my life by 'compartmentalizing'- trying to be present and really focus on what I am doing at the moment, knowing other things will have their time. Good nutrition, drinking lots of water, exercise, reading, and playing piano all contribute as well.

  26. I try to find balance in my life by 'compartmentalizing'- trying to be present and really focus on what I am doing at the moment, knowing other things will have their time. Good nutrition, drinking lots of water, exercise, reading, and playing piano all contribute as well.

  27. Terrific interview and giveaway! I find balance by tidying up before bed every night…exercising 3x/week…eating dessert every day (which explains #2 on my list!). Email: shoppyshops@gmail.com

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