I find it very interesting that most people who start a home-based business have a unique relationship with the door to that office!  In the beginning, they will do anything - clean the shed, iron the curtains, put 20 years of pictures in albums - to avoid opening that door!   Then slowly, but surely, as they get their feet wet and the momentum bills and the money starts to come in, they find it difficult to leave the office and shut the door behind them.   After 20 years as a home-based business consultant, I can't tell you how many times I've had to work with clients who need a bit of hand holding to get started and then some firmer measure in order to forgo business at the end of the day and create a balance for themselves.  My philosophy is very basic - take your business seriously, but have fun with it too!   If you are chained to the desk, whether its at home or at another location, the point is the same - you are not having any fun!   Loving relationships should not be sacrificed in pursuit for that "one" more client...nobody says "Gee, I should have spent more time at the office!" when they are old and grey....kids go from 2 to 20 in about 15 minutes when you are not looking...and you turn into a stressed out, short tempered, nasty person whom nobody wants to be around when you overwork and you under"play".   Sometimes I am driven to give "permission" to my clients to take a Tuesday afternoon off.  I encourage them to go to the movies, to go to the park, to go to the mall AND to turn off the cell phone.   You have an important meeting with yourself!   And that is also why the answering machine was invented.    So, folks, be good to yourself.  You will be amazed how that will trickle out to your family and friends and customers.   Check out more Home-Based Business Tips on the DVD "How To Start and Operate A Home-Based Business" at www.thehome-office.com

Be well,  Helene