I recently saw this old proverb and it hit home. I take my health for granted. I haven’t been sick beyond a slight cold in years. I don’t take medicine. I work on eating right and exercise every day. However, people around me have and are struggling with their health.

As a person moves from living on a paycheck to starting a business the cash management changes. This is one of the most stressful times a business owner encounters. Many live hand to mouth.

This is my 35th tax season! Oh boy has it been a ride. For those who don’t know tax season is one year of work compacted into three months.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. I actually struggle with setting goals, but I do take an assessment of my life at the beginning of the year.

I was watching the movie “Becoming the Ricardo’s” and my heart went out to the challenges that Lucille Ball faced in achieving her success.

It has been difficult the last two years to take the time to work on my business. It is so easy for me to put my head down and just get the work done. Customers, staff, vendors and life can be very distracting and demanding.

The holidays are a time of reflection for me. As I go through my holiday rituals my mind wanders through the years – from past Christmases when I was growing up right up to the current moment. Ornaments, smells, cards and such trigger memories. It gives me a chance to review what I have done and a reality check as to where I want to go.

As Congress and the President continue to negotiate how they are going to raise taxes there are items under discussion that will have a major impact for small business owners.

I need to remember my blessings more often. We are constantly reminded of what we don’t have. Ads, whether they be TV, radio or in print tell us we need this and we need that.