I went back to work yesterday. It's not as though I did not know this was coming up, but suddenly, it's here. The next big project is about to kick off. I will have a key role in it. That's what they always say to everybody, because there is a lot of work to do and a short time to do it in.

It will consume the organization for the next year. It will have a bunch of oversight at a level that will probably keep a lot of pressure on all of us.

What the heck does that have to do with Spark? Well, as many folks know, a mentally challenging, absorbing, yet sedentary job can suck the energy right out of you! Overtime in such a capacity, even more so. This leads to "bagging the workout" and collapsing on the couch... if one lets it.

Seriously, this kind of work scenario while trying to train for a marathon? Not my dream... my nightmare. Because it's hard to keep the balance.

Nevertheless, rather than immediately "bag" the marathon (remember I still have the option to drop back to a half), I need to meditate and pray and seek guidance and balance. My goals are important to me. My health is important to me. Health, even more important than my work. I believe I am a better worker when I keep my balance.

So my pep talk to myself is in the title... yes, there is a lot of work. Yes, it is a short time from now 'til January 2014 (in my line of work it is truer than you'd think - 11 months can fly by). But it will do NO ONE any good if I throw myself so deeply into the front of the race that I lose steam (or keel over from stress / inactivity induced health issues).

So... WADE in... assess. Plan. Keep your balance, Barb. Listen to your body, and know when it needs to be active and let the mind run free. For sure make good, sound, nutritious food choices. And hydrate... in short, take care of the body, where the mind lives. Don't try to force things. A fresh mission at work is ONE part of LIFE, which is good.

Spark on!