There should be a season for everything in life... devotion to school, friends, hanging out and partying, work, dreams, a partner, marriage then children. In time children grow up and move away, so many parents that are devoted cherish the precious time they have with their kids, and in time when the children mature, they focus on themselves again.... at least they should. When I become an empty nester, I plan to focus on myself again, not saying I neglect myself now, but my kids do come first.

some people devote their lives to their pets.
some people devote their lives to their spouses.
some people devote their lives to their art.

as long as it makes a person happy and it clearly seems to benefit others, what's the problem?

Anxiety said:

True.

paintedlady said:

i think your idea of balance is on point too...though i know a lot of people who need that ONE THING to cling to throughout life. some people make unhealthy choices and other people choose to devote their lives to one thing that ultimately is a wise investment, like their family or their home property, etc. i think i fall under the "there should be a season for everything" umbrella myself...

MoniGram said:

You also have your own life to live, Moni

Anxiety said:

A good point, Anx.
There was a documentary about elderly bodybuilders on tv just a few days ago, and I was wondering how old people, hell people in general, would want to dedicate their life to bodybuilding. At the same time, I do realise that they might find my 'obsession' with music odd and a waste of time.
Different strokes for different folks

FuNkeNsteiN said:

some people keep houseplants

FuNkeNsteiN said:

I actually just got my own life about two years ago, when my kids all grew up and didn't need me as much. But up until then, I ate, slept, etc. my kids lives! I wanted to do for them what my Mother was unable to do for me. That's why I worked from home, did the whole PTA, homeroom Mom, Pom mom, Band Mom, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire, dance, etc etc....

Anxiety said:

Bingo.

For me it's about creating a healthy balance

I deeply enjoy all I do for and with my chiildren - would not trade that for anything on this planet

I also know it is part of parenting to teach by example

I want my kids to be happy so I need to be happy
I want my kids to be independent and their own beings so I need that as well

yeah- just about finding the healthy balance for me between being an excellent parent and maintianing " Mach " to do just that

Mach said:

That is my point.

everything is better with balance.