We all have "havetos" that aren't particularly thrilling in our life.doing breakfast dishes, running errands, paying bills, maybe mowing lawn, and especially that once a year tax aggravation.

But what if, instead, we look at bigger picture, instead of just "have to" itself. For example, "I have to do breakfast dishes." Yes, I have to, IF I want a clean sink, and IF I want clean dishes to eat off of again. I consider this my contribution to a happy household. I consider it a role or responsibility that I negotiated, and that I accept as part of obtaining my ultimate goal.having a happy, comfortable family life.

I also "have-to" market my business.definitely not most fun I ever had. But if I want business, if I want customers, if I want to make my living this way, then I "have-to" do marketing. But again I have options: 1. I can let go of business. 2. I can hire someone to help me. 3. I can delegate job to another person in business.

A friend recently said to me "I can't go to movies with you, I have to pay rent." Does she really "have-to" pay rent? No. She too has options: 1. She could move to a cheaper place so that she has extra money. 2. She could get a better job. 3. She could mooch off her friends. The point is that she is making choices about how she spends her money, and about how that money gives her most pleasure. It's not that she "can't" go to movies.it's that higher goal (living in house she wants) gives her more pleasure than movies.

"Have-tos" are a part of life. Instead of looking at them as drudgery, or work, or struggle, remember to consider bigger picture.

In all, there is no bad stage to life. Each and every segment of our being has potential and possibility. As children we dream, as adults we do, and as seniors we remember and instruct. Each life cycle is wonderful in its own right and we need each and every one of them to have a world that is bright and as close to miraculous as we can get. We are never out for count unless we choose to be. There is no bypassing system, so only beneficial way is to keep looking ahead, enjoying whatever stage were in, and also relishing what other age-groups have to offer. There is delight in young and old eyes alike, and tales are endless. A young child invents stories, adults seek out facts, and older people weave life into bite-size pieces. Our hands can age but our hearts stay in tune with our souls. We are what we want to be but then even that can change if we desire it. Whether its a child, an adult, or a senior citizen, there is life at its best! For convenience calendar tell us where we are in life. But life is not a page in a diary book, it is a living, breathing, beautiful experience that can light up universe and outshine stars. We are life - so ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June http://www.arleenssite.com http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com