minimum safe distance

I have been thinking about time, the passing of years. I am half way through my life if my genes are any indication. My lifestyle, on the other hand, could put some variables in that equation.
Stress. I try to remain calm. I try to let things happen as they may, repeating over and over in my head "things always work out as they are supposed to." But stress gets the better of me often. Sometimes it's the mornings, getting the kids to school. It's actually more like forcing them to school. Pretty much every day i have one child who refuses to go and i have to physically shove them in the car and then drag them to class. Sometimes it's money. Handing over all my tips to the babysitter, realizing that i've come out even with a gas tank blinking on empty.
Sleep. I love the nights. I love staying up late when the house is silent except for the crackling of the fire. Aimlessly cruising around the internet, curled up in bed reading until i have to close one eye to still see the words. This late night lust leads to lack of sleep and morning struggles. I just can't break the habit. No matter how tired i am in the day i always perk up at night. I think my sleep debt after all the years of child-induced sleep deprivation and the following years of being a night owl is reaching epic proportions.
Food. Although i love food. I love the ritual of cooking for my family. I love dining out. Although i love all those things there are very few days that go by where i actually manage to eat properly, instead i focus my energy on feeding the kids and the customers.
I realize at this midway point in my life i need to take on a healthier attitude about my life, but in so many ways it suits me just fine.