As we talked about balance in our last podcast, we shared how important it is to fill ourselves whether or not we run a home-based business. As mothers, we are the caregivers which means we care. We care for our families, our homes, take care of the duties of the household such as running errands, shopping and everything that comes our way. I hear from so many moms that I talk with ” I have no time…” or “I’m to busy for…”. Many times that phrase ends by them explaining that they are not doing things for themselves. We do live very busy lives.

One thing that I have learned and am still working on is that we design our lives and schedules. While the designing of our lives is around our family’s schedules, we have to the opportunity to work with our schedules. I few great ways to create the balance within our schedules is to have days off, set aside family time, have hobbies, give yourself a bedtime, have reading time, or take time to exercise.

The important question to ask yourself and to answer honestly is, “What fills me?” or “What recharges me?” It is important to spend 30 minutes a day on you. Then you have 23 and 1/2 hours left to do the rest. Remember prayer and meditation time too. And what is cool about that is there is time for that all day even in small bits.

I have found a way to even combine a few of the things that I love to do that fill me. I have gone back to exercising 30 minutes a day, and my health club has Far Infrared Saunas which I go to for 30 minutes as well. After a bad car accident in February, my doctor had recommended it for deep tissue healing. It is not the tradition sauna with the hot lava rocks. This kind is a private wooden booth with a CD player and adjustable lighting. As I sat in my first session not knowing what to expect, I had brought a CD and a book because books and music also fill me. To my amazing delight, I found this time to be my quiet, contemplative, reflective time to fill me. Wow!

I actually started seeing the positive spill over effect in the other areas of my life. Once I was filled, I could give to others so abundantly. So decide how you want to fill yourself and commit to it. We are made in the image of God. How great to care for his image.

(In case you want to check out this sauna go to

www.sunlightsaunas.com )