Rush for this, rush for that, scattered, scattered, scattered. That’s pretty much how I’ve felt since I started my business with my husband a little over two years ago. We started the business so that I could escape the corporate world and the 10 hours a day I would have to spend away from my family.

However, starting a business has required great sacrifices from my family. My stress levels have gone up, up, up and away. I know that as an entrepreneur, I try to do too much and then get down on myself for not making it all happen all the time. Set impossible standards for yourself and you’ll never measure up.

So, this year, my mantra is “Order and Harmony”. The world isn’t going to end if I lighten up on myself a little. So far, it’s working. I take some personal time for myself everyday, I focus on my kids when I’m with them, I spend more time with them on the weekends.

The other thing that has suffered in the last two years is our environment. Our home is packed with business stuff and since moving here three years ago, we haven’t been able to focus on fixing the place up at all. I’m finally coming to the realization that my surroundings and environment have as much to do with my sanity as anything else. So, we’re taking on some projects around the home – without feeling that the business should be a priority instead.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t do anything differently. As crazy as it’s been, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Even though I’m a basket-case half the time, I have met my main goal of being with my children. And there have been good side-effects that I never foresaw, mainly how inspirational it would be for my kids to see us start our own business. They are constantly coming up with their own business ideas, they understand that working hard is a part of life, and they’ve had amazing experiences traveling with us to trade shows and other events.

I love my life, I’m just a little more determined to take time to smell the roses.