A toast to you as well. What a great life you have made for yourself and beautiful nature all around you! : )

Unfortunately I'm so busy living day to day. Parents to take care of, jobs, house remodeling, that I really haven't had a chance to look that far forward yet. I truly hope that some time soon, I might be in a position to slow down, and take a good long look at the future, and try to decide what I might want to do with it, but right now the future is very much an unknown to me. It's kind of sad really.

From a tiny, brittle seed there comes a full, beautiful flowering plant...a tree even, and from a one degree turn come new horizons.

What you say about being so busy day to day, not seeing the future, I agree, it is very sad for you. I feel for you. That your life has become so hard, and that time is passing, and that joy is for other people not you...is worrisome.

Here is what helped me once when I was where you are. A friend of mine said to do this, and I did.

Take a few moments sometime this week and do something creative. I know you are shaking your head and saying, "yeah, right." But something small, something just for you to see, but meaningful all the same. For example, if you every liked drawing, then draw one picture, or write one paragraph describing like a picture, a sad or difficult moment in your past, or draw/describe your dream house or place you feel happiest. Or if you can't draw or write, do some collages....get magazines out and cut out things that express something lost or important to you. Maybe collage about some past sadness or difficult time.

It doesn't matter how you do it, but try something creative to express your feelings..but don't take lessons, or go out and buy supplies, or read how to. Don't make a big project out of this. Just white paper and a pencil or glue. This idea is not meant to impress anyone, it is only meant to express you to you. And if you like, maybe share it with someone who can appreciate you, someone non-critical and centered.

Or take a photo of it, or type it, and show me. I would be honored to share anything you have.

Years ago, I was too overwhelmed to do anything for my own needs. I was so worn out and empty, caring for everyone else. The thing is, no one appreciated the sacrifice I was making, not really. In fact, it made them uncomfortable to see me sacrifice myself. And they made efforts to be good so as not to put more burdens on me. It was not good.

Little tiny alterations can change the entire horizon in front of us. Just one degree of change in our routine and an entire new path is made and an entirely new destination is becomes possible.

A little change, a little flow, a little creativity...the laundry can wait, cancel appointments, drop obligations, whittle your schedule down to nothing but time.

Hang in there...your time is starting now.

What do you enjoy doing, what makes you forget the time?

Thanks for all the good advice Eliza. Sounds like you may have had responsibilities similar to mine at one time or another. I do keep journals, which helps a lot, and also just meeting great people here at tbd is very enjoyable too. I never look at my situation as being too dire, because there is always some one out there worse off than yourself. A good sense of humor keeps me afloat when I start to feel overwhelmed. All in all, I can't complain. I have a very strong faith and know that I am up for whatever life sends my way. Thanks again for your response.

The good news is you're aware time is slipping and not just "sleeping" through it. That means there's hope.

That's true Kevin. My situation might not always be the best, but I believe I am right where I should be at the moment, and I live and enjoy each day to the fullest.