by Kisha Bennett

Created on: June 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

It is so very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that sometimes, our own life seems to pass us by. Yesterday we were young, today we are old and most of us don't even know when it happened. That is why it is important to take the time to do as the old adage says: Stop and smell the Roses. How, you may wonder, do I find the time to juggle family, work and friends and still have a moment for myself? Well, to begin with it's not easy but if you want to have relative peace of mind, it must be done. So here are a few steps to give you a push in the right direction. First things first:

1. Stop. Just stop. Take one day and sit down with no interruptions whatsoever (that includes cutting off the almost seemingly indispensable Cellphone) try to meditate and discern if your life is going in the direction that you want it to go. Are you accomplishing your dreams? Are you doing what you set out to do? Are you making any headway or still fumbling around in a rut trying to get out? Is your family the way you would like it to be? Are you goals being accomplished now or soon will be?

2. Downsize: Get rid of the wants, desires and things that you do not need. You may be shocked and how many unnecessary items you have accumulated over the years that you didn't even know you had. Do not hesitate to dump them or give them away if you prefer. Whatever your choice may be, just be sure that you are content with the end result.

3. Alternate entertainment: You do not need bright lights, loud splitting ear sounds and cackling laughter to have a good time. A quiet evening by the fireplace, a slow cooked meal prepared by you and your family, a nice little barbecue just for close friends and family, a small dance in your living room, a short game night, a stroll in the park hand in hand, a quick visit to a nearby zoo, etc can also be quite fulfilling. These may be things that most people just yawn or laugh at, but as the saying goes, don't knock it till you've tried it. You may be pleasantly surprised and how relaxed you may feel after the event.

4. Know your limitations. There are some things that you will be able to do, others that you won't. But avoid trying to get them done if you realize that it is a lost cause. Instead do what you can, the best way you can, and leave the rest for some other time. And should you realize that it can not be accomplished MOVE ON to something else. It will save a lot of time, frustrations and out right anger. All of which are wasted energies you can spend on something much more worthwhile!

5. Start now! Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do, or at least START, today.

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