When is it ever enough?

In a recent front page news article submitted by the Associate Press it was announced that stress is the number one cause of obesity. Which, in turn, is the number one cause of heart disease, diabetes, joint degeneration, and unhappiness in the United States.

So, literally, our daily stress is killing us.

While a lot of our everyday problems are brought on by ourselves and our over the top lifestyles (wanting to have the most), a great deal of it is actually not preventable.

Those of us in our mid years (30 - 50) have our children to care for, and provide for, as well as our parents, and grandparents, who may not be able to care for themselves any longer.

In my house we have our 3 sons, our full time jobs, my writing jobs, my part time college work, my husband's occassional contract work, and his 102 year old grandmother. Stress? As the mule said, "Load? What load?"

But, when is it ever enough?

When do our children have everything that they need? Not the hottest new video game, or the newest, coolest $125 shoes, but those things that they really need?

You know, like a mother who is not so stressed her only phrases are "Not now", "Be quiet", "I told you...", "Just go to bed!" or "I brought you a suprise!" ?

We can strive for those finer things in life, and there is nothing wrong with wanting the best for your children. Wanting better than you had is natural and commendable. However, being under so much stress that your kids don't know you, and don't want to know you, may lead to problems you never imagined.

You work hard so that your kids can have a good life...and then...when they want to share it with you...you say, not now.

What, exactly are you working for? Can you remember?

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