Today I had an wonderful day with my family and for my debut on To Live Beautiful, I felt this day would be a great way to introduce myself. My name is Marianne and I am the mother of two daughters, a wife, and am a small business owner who lives in Vermont. When I am able to keep my life in balance, I am able to appreciate all of these aspects of my life. Today was one of those rare days when it all fell into place.

We were able to spend the day as a family enjoying the most magnificent views while trying to enjoy a beach day. I say trying, because here in VT today, it was low 70's and quite windy on the lake. As my husband and I sat and watched our daughters try to stay in the water despite shivering, we looked at the mountains in front of us and truly sat and appreciated just how blessed our life is.

What could have been a disaster (cold, windy, friends not playing with our children, etc...) became a moment to live in the present and share in gratitude. Yes, we were wrapped up in towels shivering together with our children, but we stayed, played, and felt that even though the day was definitely not at all as we had planned, it did turn out to be a gift. Our children were happy, the day was beautiful (despite the weather), our life felt stress-free (at the time), and we were able to just be. Do you know what I mean? Just be? Be together...be happy...be grateful...be a family...be.

I do believe life truly is what you make it. Today was one of those days that could have been a huge disappointment. Instead, I decided to be grateful, and mindful of all the beauty around me...and that flowed to my family. (Because don't you think many parents set the tone for the day with their attitude?)

And overall, I'd say it was in balance for today. Let's hope tomorrow will as well.