Mommy can you get me my blankie.. Honey can you stay home for the repair man to fix the ice machine on Tuesday morning.... Sis can you go shopping with me this weekend.. As a mommy, wife, sister, daughter, etc. it's easy to become a one-woman circus act juggling everyone else's needs and forget about yours. I can rightfully say that having a family of your own necessitates definite mental toughness and organization to stay sane when you only have one hour of alone time. So, when life becomes a balancing act suck in your core and get to balancing with these key steps:

1. Start by setting small goals for yourself

When you set goals you hold yourself accountable. For example, instead of saying I would like to lose 15 pounds and lead a healthier lifestyle set weekly goals like exercising 3 times a week and not skipping breakfast in the morning. Setting smaller weekly goals or even daily goals will be easier to feel like you're getting somewhere. Lesson in point: Enjoy life's small victories (Yeah for me! I exercised 3 times this week and I ate a healthy breakfast everyday this week!).

2. Create a schedule, follow it, and make sure you pencil in alone time!

Yes, yes, yes, creating a schedule and actually following it can seem not just overwhelming but not an option. As a mother to two stepsons and a super active toddler of my own, a wife, and part of a tight knit family my schedule can easily become unwound. It's important to know to keep a schedule but be flexible though. For the most part, organize your everyday tasks day by day and include things you'd like to get done too. Even if you need to, create a check off list. One of the things I think that has helped me the most before I tackle my day is to set time aside for myself every morning. Even if you have to wake up a little earlier than everyone else, you'd be amazed on just how pleasing it is to be able to start the morning exercising, meditating on what you'd like to accomplish in your life's journey, and just enjoy a good cup of coffee by yourself :). Ahhhh the peace and quiet!

3. Exercise and Meditate

According to Michael s. Bahrke and William P. Morgan, from the university of Wisconsin, a study was conducted on seventy five male volunteers to study the effects of exercise and the reduction of anxiety and stress. Conclusion: When you exercise then meditate for twenty minutes, you can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety!

4. Patience is indeed a virtue

When you become more patient with those around you along with yourself, you can identify what really matters. Chinese Proverb: " One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."