Global business has pushed our boundaries and removed borders.  The company that I work for is based in London.  Labor Day has little meaning to the UK and it was business as usual.  Learning to play the world's rules has changed the way I view business in my head.  There really are no set business hours, not anymore.  

Yes, you can set your own hours, but remember that so can everyone else. International business rules change and that is consistent.  Writing reports at midnight, working on a holiday, making 7am calls, making 7pm calls, and then taking the family time when needed, playing hard, and veg-ing out as time allows.  All important. All essential.

Taking the time away from the computer, away from the desk, away from the stress is a must for good mental health, to maintain the relationships you care about.  Mobile phones have been an incredible aid in making business more accessible and allowing time away from the office.  But, sometimes, the office goes with you a bit too much.  The people I care about, my children, my close friends have staged various interventions and actually removed my phone from my hands. Actually taking away my temptation.

And this is a good thing.  Kicking it and watching several episodes of "Friends" with my girls, walking on the beach, taking a harbor cruise with friends, sitting quietly on my balcony.  Time to renew, time to restore.  Taking the time, making the time.  If it slips by, it's lost.  You have to take it, you have to make it.