Do you ever sit at your computer, ready to accomplish a very specific task, one that you haven't been able to tend to for weeks, that has been sitting there, on your mind, pestering you, when you see on the home page whether it be msn or yahoo- the day's news events? You can't help but read "The Ten Most Common Signs That You Are Being Lied To," or maybe even "Candie Spelling's House Tour- Come On In!" There are just certain things I cannot resist. Once I give into the temptation of, let's say for example, seeing the Spelling fortress, I then decide to read up on Tory and Dean. I wonder about the relationship with the Mom, did they make-up from their epic fight? Maybe there is an article on that...What about the boobs, did she get them fixed? They used to be lopsided (as was pointed out to me by a grumpy grip on the set of 90210 back in the heyday). What about Jennifer Garner, where is she? etc. etc. etc. The mind gets...DISTRACTED. Isn't it true? I find one of my greatest challenges in life is to stay on track, of one thing, and accomplish it, despite the mountains of distractions that surround me.

This week as I was contemplating my next blog post I considered this challenge, (I am officially a master procrastinator). All the challenges that surround me in terms of career and the many paths that face me; the finances and choices that must be made; the children's education and which direction to take the; the health and well being of my husband, my children, and my parents; the scheduling and maintenance of my children and their sports, arts, parties- all these things, all of these decisions, all of these tasks on this massive to do list began to crowd me and I felt like I could just suffocate. I felt like I couldn't breath and it just might overtake me. As I tried to take one task at a time, I couldn't even listen to the anxiety of those around me. I grew short with anything not on point. And then one day in what seemed like an endless week, it occurred to me that I had gotten off the path. That my objective was simple: Happy life, happy family. I began to consider what, out of all these decisions, big and small, was really truly apart of that equation. I had to rid myself of the detailed minutia, back-burner anything that wasn't truly a part of that equation, and move on. Usually the biggest problems, challenges and hurdles and life boil down to a simple question, with a simple answer. Staying focused on what is important, staying on the path despite the challenges, hunkering down together- these are the important things to remember.

As I contemplated my epiphany, I conjured a road, with many paths. It reminded me of when George and I had our first trip across the country, with everything we owned in the backseat of a purple Chrysler New Yorker that cost $500. The determination and sheer willpower we used to overcome the adversity that we faced, combined with our firm belief that we were in it together, with no one else, is what drove us to our destination. Despite 4 breakdowns, with flames, literally no money, several near death experiences, and apocalyptic weather- we made it. We were focused, together and nothing could stand in our way- especially not fear. This is something that I will always hold on to, and remember at that moment, just before I feel like I might suffocate, that he and I are in this together. One day, I will share the story, it's well worth the read.

To read more of Colleen's blog, or see her videos, check out http://TheMomtastics.com