We spend our childhood.....working to get a smile or a pat on the head or a hug or kiss from our parents. Doing what we feel is going to make them happy, staying on the path they choose for us for that moment of peace and gratification we feel when they say "well done". I'm proud of you, or whatever that phrase was that let us know we were on the chosen track.

We spend our teens and early twenties, keeping up with our peers, the opposite sex, and society in general conforming to others ideas of happiness. Depending on others to let us know when we should or shouldn't be happy or sad or pleased with ourselves and those around us.

Then we do the same for our mates first, then our children and we slowly figure out that the harder we work, rarely do we get that external kudos that we deserve or earn. Some of us even try it with a second or third mate and another set of children to boot.

This is going to be my time and I'll know when the job has been well done. My pace, my satisfaction............and if its not enough for anyone else they will know I'm not doing any of the things i do with them in mind.