by Mary Snyder

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

You are working full time, crazy hours and everything you normally enjoy is not available to you because of the work. Too much work can be a bad thing for you emotionally and even harder to handle for family members. While work and a busy lifestyle is the rave these days, (or has it always been?)One must consider the following, When was the last time you said, Wow, would you look at that sunset! Or aren't these flowers beautiful?.Are you moving in a forward direction or are you stagnet? Is your goal on an average just getting through the day?

There is a reason for the saying "Take time to smell the roses". All too soon, everything changes yet again and before you can see it coming it is here, and you are left with "I should have... Here are some things that may help you enjoy a more stress free life. These things are small but the big picture is a brighter, happier future for you and those you love.

At least once a week, make it a point to have a real home cooked meal together, Not from a box, but something like the good old pot roast dinner. Anything that gets you in a family project in the kitchen together.

Take one hour a day to do just one thing you like to do, Read, nap, maybe a long uninterrupted bath. During your relax time you can concentrate on what is really important to you. Get a structure for what it is you would like to see for yourself and your family in the upcoming years.

Do not let the "comfort zone" dictate how to live your life. If you need to make changes in your career, then start (or add) to your savings. Plan a quit date. Look in the field you really want to be in and go for it. Dust off the resume and get looking. Not qualified? Need schooling. There are many online courses available to you. Check them out and get that degree.You can do it.

We all want to set examples for our children and family. To do this you need to know what it is you want out of life, but more importantly, what can you give back to the gift we have been given?

When you decide to make changes in your life, focus on all positives and ignore the negatives, you will get much further with the positive outlook than you ever will if you lean toward the negatives. And finally, just do one small step at a time to your goal and once there, take the time to smell the roses!

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