On Being Eleven

One of the things about being involved with what is happening with my children ... is feeling a part of the ebbs and flows of their lives. I try not to absorb what is going on with my family, and take their worries as my own. But I can't help wanting to celebrate the good times and to just be there for the less than perfect moments.

That said, my vote goes to being ''11''.

Not that being 11 years old isn't without its pitfalls. Your bedtimes are still governed by your parent. Your days off are dictated by the school system (which believe me, it never gets better than that ... it's just that you don't appreciate that when you are 11). Life is full of rules and restrictions. But compared to what's coming up in life, honestly ... it's not that bad.

Your heart hasn't been broken. You are full of hopes, dreams and aspirations of what your life will be. You have learned what life is all about by being part of your family and taking in the information the TV feeds you. If your pre-teen years have been filled with a strong sense of security and the feeling that you are loved, you believe that is what your future will bring.

Chances are, that you are living within your means. Your spending money is dictated by the amount of your allowance, your ability to earn a little on the side and your masterful ways of convincing a parent to buy something for you. Debt doesn't rule your life. It is a wonderful place to be.

You are dreaming of what you will be when you grow up. You still have many years before you are chasing that dream. You believe anything is possible. You could be a doctor, a movie star, an astronaut or a famous sports figure. Or ... you could just be 'you' and be content that you are making your own way, following your own path and just happy where you are at the moment.

Family is your base, friends are for fun, pets are for everything in between ... and life is in the moment. Even though there are still worries and stresses at the tender age of 11, a lot of your worries will be lessened by a good nights sleep and the dawn of a new day. A new chance.

May you wake up and face this day as an 11 year old.

Life the day in the present. Love like your heart has never been broken. Spend your days and your money wisely. Always have a dream ... when you lose your ability to dream, you lose a part of who you can be.

Anything is possible. Remember your youthful enthusiasm. Embrace it. And chase those dreams.