Sacrifice?

I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately...specifically, my own! There are those that feel that mothers become so preoccupied with their children that they forget themselves and what makes them happy. Being a mother certainly brings out the selfless side, but I don't feel that I am making major sacrifices. When people feel that their lives are full of sacrifice, while their children are in their care, they become bitter about life. Bitter about the little things they are having to give up, that would certainly bring more comfort to their lives. And what happens when the kids grow up and leave? The parents then try to make up for lost happiness, by making everything about themselves. But does that mean they are happy? They may spend their days with a minimum of discomfort, but I don't believe in living life in service to myself. When I was a single childless person with a good job, my life was empty. Sure, I could buy a lot of stuff, I could watch whatever I wanted on TV, I could take a nap, I could keep my apartment spotless, I had no responsibilities to anyone. But it didn't mean very much to me. Being responsible for my family gives meaning to my life. Yes, they drive me nuts sometimes. Yes, there are times when I wish I had a remote control hooked up to my child, my husband, and my dog! But I never want to experience again a time in my life when I'm not somehow in service to others. And not in spite of the fact that I may be uncomfortable or inconvenienced, but BECAUSE of it. It gives you a respect for others and an ability to empathize that you don't get when you are just looking out for yourself. And when you get back more than you give (as hokey as that sounds), it's not sacrifice.