It’s interesting to look back at seasons of my life and see what was important to me at each stage. When my age was in the single digits it was the dream of being able to order a double cup ice cream cone (see the photo. Did you have these growing up?). As I hit my teenage years it was the drama of girls, dating, and getting married (my kids are hitting this stage and I can tell you I don’t miss the stress of asking a girl out!). Then it became buying nice cars and a house in a nice neighborhood.
I am hitting a season where once again I see my priorities changing (I am staring down my 45th birthday. Maybe I’m having a midlife crisis! Ha!). Specifically the question I am asking myself is am I investing my time in the places that are truly important to me.It has been a fast car and lots of money but now I see my priorities shifting to other things. Specifically relationships.
My kids are of the age where in a couple of years the oldest two could be off at college. That means they might have left home and be off to build their own adventures. These kids that I have invested so much into might suddenly disappear out of my life only to show up at thanksgiving or Christmas with the odd monthly phone call thrown in. The thought of that breaks my heart. These people are some of the people I enjoy the most.
Which brings me to why my priorities are changing. I am becoming more focused on things that aren’t tangible like houses and money but relationships and experiences. I still want houses, cars and luxury travel. Those things aren’t wrong. All I am doing is making a slight shift to put less emphasis on the pursuit of those to focus on what’s most important to me, the connection with the people around me.
I often contemplate the rocking chair test. I am 85 years old and sitting in my rocking chair on my porch and thinking about the things I pursued and I am fairly certain what will be at the top of that list is connecting with my family and friends not did I get to buy a brand new Ford 150 Raptor.
What I am trying to say is make a conscious decision to choose what your priorities are. It’s so easy to get swept up in the hype of the crowd around us only to realize that we are not where we want to be. Take some time to review your priorities. They may be exactly where they need to be or you might find you want to make some adjustments.
Either way just make sure you are still aiming for the target you want to hit.
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