Valentine's Day! Thoughts of candy, balloons, flowers, presents wrapped in bright red ribbon, surprises for loved ones. Valentine's Day has made me take some time to consider what is really important in my life. I read somewhere that someone once said the best expression of love is time. I am short on time these days. The importance of things can best be measured by the amount of time you are willing to put into it. The more you value it, the more time you put into it. I am wondering if I value myself and my time too dearly. I am highly focused and goal oriented when it comes to my profession. I have a tendency to let my personal health and relationships take a backseat to my professional demands. I am unable to find balance at times, and it shows. I gain weight and lose contact with people. When my schedule becomes overloaded, I start skimming on my relationships with others. I am firmly convinced that the ultimate success in our lives is our relationships with other people. Are our loved ones lives better because of our presence? I guess that can only be determined by our ability to be present, giving of our time. Giving of myself at times can be a sacrafice. My own selfish needs put away to give of myself to others. This Valentine's Day weekend I have made a vow to myself to not become preoccupied with my own professional demands. I will make a concious effort to be present in the lives of those that I love and care about. I will give of my most precious commodity...time.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt