Alone time, solitude, whatever you want to call it, is essential for our spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. It provides us with an opportunity to let go of everything we have become, everything that we do, everything we are to everyone in our life, to return to who we truly are. Done effectively, regularly, religiously, it strengthens our core. This strength enables us to be more effective, efficient and most importantly, joyous.

If you aren't used to taking time for yourself, you may find it to be a gradual, and even ongoing, process. You need to take that initial step. It may mean making a date with yourself, setting things up, letting entire family know and get used to idea. They will resist change!! It's human nature. But persevere. Your sanity is worth it, don't you think?

Time to yourself is NOT running errands, working outside home, or commuting time. I don't know why. It just doesn't count. Alone time is when you don't have to be doing anything for anyone else. Alone time is strictly YOU time. A filling-of-your-cup-time. Personal time. And personal time without guilt, please! Sure, you may have been away from kids with work or other responsibilities, but trust me, everyone will benefit when you return from your mom time refreshed, happier, more peaceful and ready to carry on. It won't take long for family to realize what a great thing mom time is.

What you do during your personal time is just as important as where you take it. Take your time with intention of reconnecting with your Self. Is it journaling? Writing? How about personal planning? Creating a vision for yourself, your life, determining steps required to get you there?

And in fact, that's one of forces behind rising popularity of Asian-themed wedding: how it turns things upside-down. In fact, in a Chinese-style wedding, white is bad (it's color of death) and red and black are good (they're colors of luck and prosperity).

You might wonder whether brides that plan Asian-themed weddings are Asian (or marrying someone who is). The answer is, sometimes. Surprisingly often, they aren't, and choice is purely aesthetic.

Today's trends break down into two main types of Asian-themed weddings: Japanese or "Zen" style, which values simplicity and nature, and more riotous Chinese style, which bristles with bright colors and shiny fabrics.

Although either choice may surprise some older guests, bride may find her personal values deeply expressed in Asian-themed wedding. After all, usual wedding is a certain kind of pageant: couple pretends to be royalty for a day, and lavishly entertain a large party - seemingly without a care, though they rack up huge debt to do so.