Not long ago, I was struggling to keep my head above water, trying to manage WAY too much. Unfortunately, this predicament isn't something that happens to me only. I know MANY businesses, organizations, and individuals that are currently under incredible stress, and exhausted due to juggling too many hats. 

Sometimes it seems there just isn't a way out of the chaos. Hiring someone is not feasible. There's no time to recruit an intern. And volunteers, though great, just don't have the right skills.

So what CAN you do when you are on the verge of "drowning?" Create systems! With the right systems in place, you can eliminate quite a bit of reinventing the wheel. Also, systems provide a framework for hiring someone or recruiting an intern or volunteer. There is a clear expectation of what needs to be accomplished, and less time spent orienting because documented systems can serve as training material. 

Here are the top 3 systems I recommend you put into place as soon as possible...

By the time Friday afternoon rolls around, I feel like I've hit a wall. My focus starts to go onto other things like baking, sewing, house shopping, hiking, getting the garden ready....anything but business-related tasks. Though I'd LOVE to dive into these more meditative projects, there is an endless list of things I need to address for my company. Apparently, we're supposed to work until 5 pm, AT LEAST, if we want to advance our careers. Or so we are told in "Lean In" according to Sheryl Sandberg COO of Facebook. But, all I want to lean into are the red forest cupcakes that I'm dying to make!...   

Life is short. Even for those that get to live long ones...it still seems so short.

So, when a young soul is taken, I think...how unfair. It is heart-wrenching. The news headlines on the shootings of elementary school kids have weighed heavily on my heart and I am beyond words. I can't even imagine what the parents of those children are going through. I ask everyone to send prayers and loving thoughts their way. Light a candle to remember those lost.

When I read these stories, it sent shock waves through my body...reminding me to be grateful that I still have my life. I feel grateful that today I was able to get up and breathe, that my heart is beating, and I'm safe and warm at home. We take these magical moments and mere instances in our lives for granted. Take the time to tell someone you love them genuinely today, give your child the biggest hug you've ever given them, tell a friend how much you appreciate them, or congratulate a colleague on a job well done. Life is short. Spending your time acknowledging others and being grateful needs to take priority in our lives, so make it a priority every day. Leave the small differences behind. Open your heart to give and fully appreciate what you have. 

In celebration of your Illumination!