when January...

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by life right - but mostly in a good way. So many commitments, so many possibilities, so many times with good friends to which to look forward.

But not enough time to just chill, relax and get centered.

The Christmas tree in the living room and the piles of holiday stuff strewn around the house are taunting me right now.

I always think of January as being this smooth, foggy white expanse of free time...and lately it never seems to turn out that way. The thing is, I don't want to give up any of the things I'm doing or not embark on the things that I've been thinking about doing - but how I do achieve some semblance of balance in my life? How do I keep from freaking out when I look at my calendar and see so many to-do items?

How do you keep your life balanced - if at all? How do you say no to something and how do you choose which things to cross off the list?

I'm just thinking out loud here but if anyone has ideas, suggestions, tips or sage philosophical advice that does not involve a self-help book, Franklin-Covey planner or strategically placed candles, please let me know.