We had the good fortune of connecting with Ciji Townsend and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciji, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Ft. Worth, TX and as I share often at speaking engagements, I came out of the womb with a to do list. I’ve been active in organizations and activities my entire life and because it was a norm in my family, I never questioned busyness. Until I started to feel the negative impacts.

My over-programmed schedule, unrealistic expectations fueled from my to do list and society’s “hustle hard” influence all contributed to the glorification of busyness. And ultimately the desire to wear busy as a badge of honor led to a life where I was just surviving when I could have been thriving.

On the other hand, my life experiences paired with extensive research have equipped me with the ability to lead the Balanced Not Busy space and share the importance of embracing balance with people all of the country via social media content, speaking engagements and as the host of the being BALANCED podcast..

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While there are many that are focused on the wellness, self-care and boundaries space, what sets Balanced Not Busy apart is length of time and experience in better understanding the science of well-being. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done to better understand; why most desire to be busy, the impact of giving yourself permission to have boundaries and how life’s seasons and disruptions can impact your ability to maintain balance.

My journey to being a business owner, public speaker and podcast host has all been based on a community that I built over time on social media channels, that simply told me what they needed and I not only listened, but worked my tail off to provide. Balanced Not Busy started as a hashtag and now it’s so much more! It’s a lifestyle, a daily commitment and a decision to do better and be better than you were the day before.

If there was one thing that I wanted the world to know about Balanced Not Busy is that it’s attainable, although it might look different for everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well let’s just say, if you were to visit me in ATL with a goal to have the best time ever, than that’s exactly what I would give you!

Immediately after leaving the airport, I like to grab a quick bite to eat at Slim & Husky’s.

After eating the best pizza ever, I would then give a little history lesson on my neighborhood, Blandtown before we head to the Atlantic Station area to check out some of the shops.

After leaving Atlantic Station, we’d probably swing by Post Meridien Spirits to grab a canned cocktail (the Old Fashioned is my favorite) to sip on a little later on the deck.

Next up, we would stop by The Works to check out some of the shops and get our nails done at Les Mains Nail bar.

After pampering ourselves, we would meet up with some friends at Top Golf.

As we finish up a few rounds of golf, I would suggest that we park the car and walk to Westside Provisions for dinner at Storico Fresca and dessert at Jeni’s ice cream.

After dinner, we’d walk back home, light up the fire pit for s’mores and canned cocktails on the deck!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The original Queen of Balanced Not Busy is my grandmother, Survestalean Gowans, affectionally called Mama Vess. For years she has served her community, she worked until she was 94-years-old and is the foundation of our family. My childhood was full of watching her volunteer time with the Texas Democratic Women, Red Hatters Club and her church. Not to mention, she somehow found the time to travel, spend quality time with friends, garden and be an amazing grandmother.

It’s her energy, wit and charm that I carry with me day in and out as I look to live an intentional life filled with magical memories and experiences.

Website: balancednotbusy.com

Instagram: @balancednotbusy

Twitter: @balancednotbusy

Facebook: facebook.com/balancednotbusy

Other: being BALANCED podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/0tqRJdI5Bv5X7Q8uLgmxT1

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