To date, many of my phone calls with my dad end with him reminding me to try to keep everything in balance. It’s been a lovely concept that my parents have tried to instill in me throughout my life, but as a gal who likes to put all her passion eggs in one basket, it can be tough for me to pace myself.

I’m sure many of you can relate. To the times we are just naturally more busy, or when we just are so burnt out we are forced to take a break.

I like to make sure my evenings are at least my time to rest with my sweetheart and our two cats, Maude and Charlie. We’ll choose something to watch. Play a word game on the New York Times app. And I’ll make sure to get in my Italian practice on Duolingo.

True balance is certainly hard to come by. And when I talk with folks like this week’s guest Norman Fenton, it gets me all fired up to put even more work into TPB and what I care more about.

Norman gives everything he has into his work and his family, and it’s paid off. He found the love of his life on a spontaneous pilgrimage to Mexico. They’re now raising two wonderful boys. And his love letter to Mexico, Cariño, has earned its first Michelin star and James Beard nominations.

You can tell Norman’s desire to give back to the Latin community, his family, supporting immigration services in Chicago, and anyone who is lucky enough to dine with him keeps him going.

When you do what you love, it may not feel like a “job,” but it does take hard work. It takes passion. And it takes belief that your mission and dreams are valuable and possible.

Keep balance in mind so you can keep going. But don’t give up on what really matters to you!