I’ve heard that race car drivers have a saying: “Sometimes you’ve gotta go slow to go fast.” If you want to shave seconds off your time, you need to slow down as you head into a curve. If you want to keep up your speed, sometimes you need to back off a little.

If you want to give it all you’ve got, then you need your rest. If you’re planning on giving it your best shot, you’re going to have to pace yourself. You don’t get your best mileage with the gas pedal pressed all the way down to the floor.

This is such a good time of year to consider your options. It’s all about balance. That’s what it means to take a step back and look things over, to lower your head in gratitude, to sit quietly for a few minutes. Set an intention, whether it’s for the day or the week or the year to come. Instead of burning the candle at both ends, pick just one end, and then take time to appreciate the glow.

Happy new year to all!