(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Madonna feels "lucky" in love, family and career, but admits that balancing obligations is difficult.

Madonna has an 11-year-old son, Rocco Ritchie, and a daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon, who will turn 15 in October. She is also in a committed relationship with dancer Brahim Zaibat.

Following the release of her most recent directorial endeavour, W.E., at the Venice Film Festival, Madonna is in high spirits about her life.

"I have all three; love, children and work. Lucky me," Madonna said to British newspaper the Daily Mail. "You can [have all three] but what you can't then expect is a good night's sleep."

Madonna has worked at finding equilibrium in her life for years. Balancing relationships, children and career is a sensitive task for the star, but Madonna believes that she has discovered a foolproof approach.

"The older I get, the more I understand about the nature of relationships and how to have a successful one," Madonna explained. "The more I realise that it has to do with compromise and sacrifice and that's just the way it goes. And unless you want to be alone for the rest of your life you have to realise that."

Madonna is not willing to forfeit happiness for any reason. Career, family and love are equally important to the star.

"Either the kids aren't going to be getting all your attention, or the man isn't or the job isn't and I can't contemplate living without all three," Madonna said. "I can't imagine not having children. I can't imagine not being in love and I can't imagine not being creative and doing the work I do."

Compromise works well for Madonna. She loves all three aspects of her life so much that she is willing to be flexible to keep her clan happy and career moving forward.

"You can't always get what you want, but compromise pays off in the end, right?" Madonna said. "Give up a little bit here to see if you can get something there. It's about trade-offs and give and take." (C) Cover Media