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On a normal day 4 years ago, my husband Michael and I realized we weren’t living the life we wanted to live. We were living a boring life! So, on a hot weekend in July, we started a new life.
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I SO loved your telling of this story, Michael. Just a great reminder to me personally that it is OK not to run after what the world calls success while creating a train wreck at home. I am living the good life now in so many ways – being able to spend that time with my family and friends while earning a nice living. Amazing that some so close to me drop those hints (like the American Businessman) that we could have so much MORE (bigger house, new truck (instead of my lovely 1989 Chevy that runs GREAT!). Yet, looking at those same people, they have left train wrecks in their personal lives. Thanks again!
Thanks for the comment, Michael. I think it’s great that you’re not getting distracted by what others are trying to tell you is important. Balance in the different areas of life is key. Great job investing in your family life!
Simplifying helps you to be more satisfied. Paul in the Bible talks about learning to be content whether you have a little or a lot. We used to have a restaurant. When we had to sell it and my husband went back to teaching he was very discouraged because our kids were small and we were essentially starting from scratch and on a really limited budget. He told me he felt badly because he couldn’t buy the things he wanted to for our kids or for me. I told him when I started to complain – then he should worry. My kids grew up understanding what a budget is and how to live within one and I can honestly say they are better off for it. Quality of life is SO much more important that how many things we have. Loved the story.
Thanks, Ann! It’s easy for me as a father to think that my family needs things, at least that’s my default response. I know in my head that isn’t true but it’s easy to fall into that mindset.
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your story! Sounds like you came through the struggles with a better understanding of what is really important.
That’s a great story that really puts things into perspective, Michael! Thanks for being intentional, and setting a great example for all of those “American Businessman” mindsets out there! Keep it up!
Thanks, Ryan! I’m just trying to notice all the good things that I already have. Thanks for the input!
It’s such a sad story because it’s the exact reflection of the values of our society today…
Yeah, it’s crazy, isn’t it Joe?
This is really powerful. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. I tend to be so goal focused…..if I can just get this done, then I will be able to…. But, reality check! We never get there. There is always something else. If I cannot enjoy life and do what makes me happy now…then shoot, what is the point?
Char,
I hear you! It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to wait till things are better before we can do the things that are important to us or make the changes we want to make.
I need to remember it’s about the process, not the destination. You’re so right! There’s always something else.
I love this story. Though I’m not proud of the reflection this has on our society, I believe it hits the nail on the head. We seem to always look everywhere else for the great things of life than right under our own nose. It’s all just a backwards perspective. If we think the cart comes before the horse, then we’re going to do everything we can to make that cart succeed, until we find out in the end that it’s the horse we really wanted, and which we already had.
Rob, so true.
I think a lot of it comes down to being grateful. If we’re grateful for what we have, we’ll keep things in perspective better. We won’t think we need to wait 25 years to enjoy the “good things in life.” We’ll notice we have a lot of good things already.
And 25 years is a long time. I don’t think I want to wait that long to live happy. We can choose it now, and continue building that happiness along the way.
“Success is the progressive realization of predetermined, worthwhile, personal goals.”
– Paul J. Meyer
Perfect! That’s the bottom line…
I love that quote, too, Michael! Someone told me the other day that life is what happens while we’re making plans. I know that you all have big plans for the future, but you’re not simply sitting around and planning…you’re making things happen while you’re planning. Big difference!
Exactly, Ryan! That’s what I love about you and Ashley too.
Any bites on the house yet? We have to chat again this week.
I’d love to, Michael! I’ll send you a message.