[kusadasi-babe]

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another.

Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are.

After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.

If not now ... when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza ...

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin! At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one ...

So stop waiting until you finish school ... until you go back to school ... until you lose ten pounds ... until you gain ten pounds ... until you have kids ... until your kids leave the house ... until you start work ... until you retire ... until you get married ... until you get divorced ... until Friday night ... until Sunday morning ... until you get a new car or home ... until your car or home is paid off ... until spring ... until summer ... until fall ... until winter ... until you are off welfare ... until the first or fifteenth ... until your song comes on ... until you've had a drink ... until you've sobered up ... until you die ... until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy!

Happiness is a journey ... not a destination!!

[Peted1]

"Tempora mutantus et nos mutamus in illis", as the Romans said (Time flies and waits for no one [rough translation]) and that's been my philosophy throughout life. Just go for it or spend your life thinking "what if"........People can either say "Yes" or "No" to your requests, if they say "No", what have you lost? nothing, because until you asked, you didn't have it anyway.

[Mella]

Like that one Jen and agree.... happiness is a journey, not a destination. Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one's watching.

[joy]

Thats is sooo lovely Jen and true.....everyone should be taught this at school until its second nature to have that mind set.......then folk wouldnt spend their lives "if only" live in the here and now its all we have got is my moto.
External things DONT make you happy.... happiness is a frame of mind....".i can be happy even though" instead of i can be happy if.