RECEIVED THIS...<P>We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another.<P>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/her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.<P>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. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my "life".<P>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.<P>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.<P>Happiness is a journey, not a destination.<P>------------------<BR>Live and learn<BR>

Alex,<P>Now that is <B>positive</B>!<P>I Love your words... <P>Jim<p>[This message has been edited by NSR (edited January 15, 2000).]

That is wonderful advice and advice I definetly need to take. I have been waiting for 34 years now.<P>Jess

Alex,<P>Thanks so much for taking the time to post this...so true! Happiness is inside of us all...we just have to spend a little time to connect to it, that's all!<P>Thanks, agian...<P>Roll Me Away<P>------------------<BR>"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindnesses and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort."<P>Sir Humphry Davy<BR>

Jim,<P>Thanx, but they are not my words (I am trying to make them mine)- I received in an e-mail, don't know who wrote it.<P>Alex