Sometimes my life feels like it’s moving so quickly. There aren’t nearly enough hours in the day to do all the things that I want and need to do. Keeping up with my kids, my marriage, my career and making time for my extend family, my friends and all the things that I’d like to do can be stressful. There are a lot of people and things that command much of my time. Even the dog wants her share!

Sometimes life can be overwhelming. OK, much of the time life can be overwhelming – even when it’s good. At times when I find myself coming unraveled, I often feel guilty because my life is good. I truly don’t have much to complain about. Sure, I would love to lose a zero or two off of my debt, but my family has more than everything we need and I’m very aware that so many families don’t.

Instead of feeling guilty about being stressed, I’m learning to replace the guilt with gratitude. In the middle of a messy day filled with writing deadlines, dinner to cook, the kids not listening and the dog deciding the playroom is a good place to have an accident I’m finding that if I find a quiet spot (no one said this is easy) and take a moment to realize that I’m blessed to have all of these people and things in my life – even if they are driving me crazy at the moment – the stress slips away and I can handle the chaos better. Gratitude is helping me grow as a person.

I’m curious to know: What has inspired you to grow as a person? By replying you will be entered to win one of two prizes! First Prize: $150 to a Local Spa, plus $50 Gift Certificate to the CerraBoutique. Second Prize: One of Five $100 Gift Certificate to the CerraBoutique.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cerra. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Contest Rules.

Winks & Smiles,