How good does it feel when you do something that you've always wanted to do? I'm sure you already know it's quite gratifying. Then why don't we do this more often, you might ask? A lot depends on you and the type of person that you are. Try to fink out what motivates you to do things that you enjoy doing.

Personally, I set time aside to do the things that are most important to me. For example, I make it my business to see my grandchildren regularly. Just knowing how important it is to them to feel close to me, and me to them, is a wonderful feeling. I love to spend time appreciating my grandchildren and watching them as they grow up into real people.

When it comes time for you to do the things you enjoy doing, do you take action? If you find that other activities limit your ability to take action, it is time to take control of your life.

Taking control will put you in focus of the balance in your life. Sure, you have plenty of tasks to accomplish during the normal course of your life, such as supporting your family, being a good parent, making important business decisions and being a friend.

The daily routine of life is necessary. This is fine. In the big picture, however, we look forward to and need recreational time to give our lives more balance. This is where you must take charge and run your life. Living a daily humdrum life can be very tedious for anyone. It is important that you put some personality and character in your life by trying to plan and set aside time to do things together as a family on a weekend, a trip, or a vacation.;

Just taking the children for ice cream, or to see the ducks in the lake to feed them can be adventuresome, I went with my son this summer to get ice cream with my grandchildren. It was a pretty messy affair, especially when one grandson dropped his cone on my lap. Plenty of napkins and a lot of laughs later we were still smiling about it.

Spice up your life by making fun activities a necessity-as part of the big picture in your life. Take pictures of the happy moments and freeze them on film. This is a nice reminder of the good times. I like taking close-up shots. They really bring out the personality of a person. I noticed that some people take pictures from far away and you can hardly seee the person. Get a close-up and see how much nicer the come out.

Back in the '70s, we started a Sunday father-and-son baseball league I Deal, New Jersey. Eventually it developed in the Brooklyn community, as well, and now there is a league for boys and girls. This type of activity brings us all closer as a family and as a community. It was and still is something for us to look forward to.

Arranging a fun routine not only applies to people whose lives have slowed down in retirement. Formulating a regular routine gives a time to each task, and a task for each time. Getting up early and getting out to exercise, play golf, or even continuing education are some options. Whether you are a busy young mom, or a retired grandparent, when you have a routine, life has much more meaning.

Using your time efficiently will give you a sense of accomplishment. You may go to bed tired, but it sure will feel good just thinking about how much you've done.

We have but one life to live. So for your own good take charge and run your life. Run it with balance and focus on the things that will have meaning in your life with the people you live with and enjoy. You will be proud of having the opportunity to reflect o the nice times you had together. The children will always remember what you meant to them. The time has come for you to take change and run your life!
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Charles S. Haddad is the former president of two synagogues in Deal, NJ and the author of the book of inspirational, self-help essays, Thoughts From the Heart. His most recent book is Being Happy A Day At A Time. Both books are available from amazon.com.