At times the world in which we live in can be filled with so many things aside from work and family, that it can all be quite overwhelming.  People have to contend at the end of each night with their thoughts on what they were able to get accomplished and what is still pending for the following day.  The fact that everyone is so busy is no wonder that people tend to have more sleeping problems today.  Just looking at the different types of medication available to help one sleep, the evidence can certainly substantiate this issue.  So where is it that one draws the proverbial line on things, in order to transcend beyond this sinking feeling?  For many family comes first.  If you have children or a spouse, there are those individuals that feel that they cannot possibly take time for themselves, as there are other people waiting in line.  However, dealing with oneself first to ensure that mind, body and spirit are indeed connecting, should be a priority that cannot be overlooked. Prioritization of ourselves could be chapter one in a book if it was written as a "how to" guide for living.  If you have ever been so ill that you could not get out of bed, that serves as a great example of what can happen to you if the foundation of your health is not in tact.  Illness can even make one look different, as usually you will find that someone that knows you well will automatically ask you if something is wrong, simply based upon your appearance.  We give out many signals to ourselves and others around us, that should illicit a response from us when our well being is at stake.  Learn to listen to your quiet voice, the thoughts that run inside your head first thing in the morning or the last thing at night.  Some of them could be considered a term that I heard long ago at a conference.  A famous theologian was doing a break out session at this event on "When God Whispers To You".  I found it very fascinating to look at those instances that occur almost every day to see how we react when faced with these whispers.  Some tend to ignore it, while others are very self aware.  I like the idea that God can whisper to us and provide some guidance, especially when we think nobody is listening or cares enough to hear about our own problems.  The truth is we have a lot of internal mechanisms in place that should be able to address or correct some of the things that are bothering us when we go to sleep at night.  When the whispers tell you that you should stop or start something, chances are that it is in your best interest to listen. Remember that in order to strive for balance and inner peace, you must begin to give yourself a priority number at the top of your own to-do list.  When our self foundation is strong then anything else that comes after that will be built on this sturdy frame, that will be able to withstand any storm that may come your way afterwards.