It is very easy to get caught up in responsibilities, relationships and commitments. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and forget that I am more than just the mother of a toddler, the secretary of a committee, or the wife of an internet coach. Those roles are all important and take up my time, but they are not who I am.

I have found that certain things help me keep a perspective, and give me the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual energy to fulfill my responsibilities as well as realize some of my own goals and dreams.

1. Power Hour: I get up an hour before my family and exercise, read or study, and shower. This personal time has become a wonderful way for me to take care of my own needs before having to meet everyone else's. I feel healthier, happier, and more content when I do this.
2. Writing: I keep a journal both for myself and my son. I do not write in it on a time basis, but when something good happens, or if I am struggling and need to work through something, I write about it. Looking back helps me through difficult times and reminds me of good times.
3. Creating: I am writing a book. I do not know if it will ever be published, but even if not it will be a great resource for me, for my family, and for my posterity. Knowing I am creating something and working towards a goal is very exciting and fulfilling. I have new ideas for my book, I find myself dreaming about what can come of it.
4. Cleaning Rotation: I do one big cleaning project per day. Monday is dusting, Tuesday is the bathroom, Wednesday is the kitchen and entry way, Thursday is vacuuming, Friday is filing and organizing paperwork, Saturday is cleaning the fridge, Sunday is a day of rest. Most rooms are somewhat dirty most days, but if I do spot cleaning where needed, and one good cleaning per week, the house stays manageable, and I am less stressed.
5. Quiet Time: I used to like to have music on all the time, or have the TV on so there was something going on, but over time I have learned to enjoy quiet moments where I can think. I get better ideas for my projects I am working on, I can think about how to be the kind of person I would really like to become.
6. Hobbies: I really like to read. Sometimes my husband will stop and buy me a book because he knows I enjoy picking up a book. I do not usually have time to just sit and read for extended periods of time, but it is nice to have something to pick up for a few minutes when there is some down time but not much. It helps me unwind and feel like I am not just wasting my time.
7. Service: I am happier when I feel loving towards my husband and son. I love them more when I can serve them. Doing little things like leaving a note for my husband, or laying out his clothes if he is rushed in the morning helps me feel closer to him. As I do those things, I become the type of person that I want myself to be rather than wishing things were better and becoming bitter and unhappy.
8. Dream: Dreams become goals which become achievements. They help me reach for something better and have hope for a brighter future.