The title quote/lyric above appears in the song "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon. I used to sing my son to sleep to that one when he was a baby, and it remains one of my favorites.
I was reminded of that line the other day when I was eating lunch with my family at a nearby restaurant. Every once in awhile, I have something happen that reminds me of how blessed I really am, and that was one of those moments. It wasn't anything specific, just being with my wife and all of our children laughing together and enjoying each other. Whenever I think of it at times like that, I take a mental snapshot so that I can "refer" to it later.
I am truly happy and content with my life. Of course, I've had my share of struggles, but I don't think I've ever been more comfortable in my own skin than I am today.
Kids grow up too quickly, and I remember when we found out that we were expecting our first child. Now, that same child seems to be officially starting puberty, if his questions and concerns are any indicator. This makes me feel a little bit old sometimes, but it's just part of life.
Rather than focusing on business and goals, which are transient, I try to put people first, because they matter. I often imagine what my life will be like when I'm truly old (assuming I live that long). Will I care if I have a nice home or lots of money, or would I prefer to have loved ones who know that I did the best I could to love them unconditionally? I'm not saying that money is utterly unimportant, but it's not my #1 concern, nor will it ever be.
Some of the happiest people I know have little material wealth.
Don't miss out on the life that God has planned for you by getting bogged down in the details of your business. I promise you that you are here for a reason, and it's not just for work.
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I loved your post. We all need reminding of these facts most every day.
So true! Happiness is so rarely hinged on material success. I'm sure puberty will be fun for you all!
Absolutely! It is the people who enrich our lives and are important. Re-blogged, liked, and "suggested."
Great Post...So many people never figure this out in their lives. I am happy for you and pray that others will gain knowledge from your post.
Awesome bud....I have 5 kids and the joy that I have comes from within. Rich or poor - - - I know both that are happy in their hearts for the right reasons. Rich or poor, I know both that are miserable for all the wrong reasons.
Jason - what a touching post! I thank you for reminding us all what is truly important. Enjoy a sensational Sunday with your family :0)
Jason: Ceil has always had a saying, it goes something like this. Let go of the controls and turn it over to the man upstairs he's in the driver's seat anyway. Sometimes we just get in his way. He will provide and you just go along for the ride.
So true. There are a few times in life when this hits you in the face harder than others. When my Mom passed away at the end of March it hit my harder than I had expected. It made me realize that time flies and that I want to spend more time with family and less time on things in life that I don't enjoy.
Jason,
Your title got my attention as it is also one of my favorite songs.
I would say you are indeed blessed.
I was just thinking the same exact thing...
The days go so much faster when we smile, Jason
Paul
HI Jason, that is a beautiful post! As difficult as the market is I am so happy with my personal life and family! Tiffany
Hi Jason, What a fabulous way to feel at any age...I am truly happy and content with my life.
Keep enjoying and counting each and every day..it goes by way to fast!
Margaret
Jason, I agree with wealth have little to do with happiness. My Grand Mother used to say...If yoiu want to make GOD laugh...tell HIM YOUR plans for your life!
Jason, What an uplifting and thought provoking post-- thanks for reminding us all to take some time, savor the little things, love your kids, and be grateful! Kathy
Jason, you are so right!!! I lived growing up the child of an amazing Realtor, but I always missed her and never felt close to her. I over compensate now because of this. My kids come first, and yes, my business does suffer, but I would rather have the memories and relationships with my girls than work endlessly and just buy them stuff to make up for it. I do need to find more balance, work is important, and this will come as I am becoming more focused. But your message is right on, take it from someone who lived it. My kids and I are very close, we laugh daily, we talk, and we spend some time together, one way or another.
Time flies. And we spend more of our lives at work than anywhere else. Make the rest of the time count.
Jason,
Great post communicating a valuable perspective.
I have never had less financial security than I have right now, and I am happier in my life than I have ever been. The two are completely irrelevant to one another.
Enjoy your life, this is not a dress rehearsal.
Jason, it sounds like you have your priorities straight. Love it.
Mental snapshots of ordinary moments - what a wonderful practice.
Jason, thanks for the reminder and a great post.
Great post as always Jason. By putting people first, the business will follow.
I couldn't agree with you more! It's a good idea to take a step back from the everyday woes of the current real estate market and be grateful for what you have, regardless of your income. If more folks proceeded in the same fashion, by putting others first and appreciating what IS, we would have a much kinder, gentler world. Kudos!
Jason, it is always about the relationships.- cheryl(a very blessed being)willis
I'm with you Jason...some days I have to pinch myself...I'm a minimalist when it comes to stuff but I have two beautiful granddaughters, 6 & 8 mos., and a great family, when I'm with them, all other things melt away...we must be close in age (I just hit the big 5-0h) as I've never been more comfortable in my own skin than I am right now...I do the best I can and nothing else matters (or rattles me) anymore...thanks for the uplifting post.
Thanks for helping me prioritize my values this morning. It is so easy to forget what is and is not important. People do matter, and without them, life would be pretty boring. It is a journey, and not a chase, although I see too many people getting strung out on the chase for material things.
Great post, we all need to be reminded sometimes. I read a quote recently from an old very wealthy man and he said "ask me what I would give you to have my youth back and I would reply, all that I have. The poorest young person is infinitely more wealthy than the richest old person. Time isn't money, time is worth more than money."
Thank you Jason. I was just thinking and posted the same idea last night on Facebook. We can so get bogged down with all our problems that we can forget about how blessed we are.
When we think things aren't going our way, it is a great time to reflect on what we have that is great in our lives.
Hi Jason,
Not sure if you have ever heard of Dave Ramsey, but I just started listening and applying to my life. I hear you with the kids, my 12 year was just my 3 year olds age (if that makes sense), it does to me.
Being centered, balance and having it all...family fun times, a job in real estate that is a labor of love, a joy and knowing how grateful you are, blessed is a morning, noon and night roll call. If you viewed people you meet, help as folks that you are going to learn from, and not the other way around, you grow, mature. You are right about kids, they grow up like lightning..had four and they teach you much. You become an even better person because they are watching, counting on you, keep your honest because you teach them this, this and this. You better live what you preach.
Jason - what a great post! It is so easy to forget what is really important and what really matters! I do the same thing with my kiddos! Sometimes the most memorable times are the most ordinary events! Thanks for sharing!!
Jason...I liked your post ! I do not want to be buried with my cell phone. You can't take it with you....hoping for one more stressful deal to work doesn't cut it!
Jerry Gray CRB,CRS,GRI,SFR / Allen Tate Realtors / Winston Salem, NC / 336-918-2433
Jason we have been struggling with money, but at the same time we have seen God open wonderful doors for us that he could have not if we were not stuggling. It is a long story.
Jason,
Thanks for this wonderful reminder!!!! You're so right ... life is a gift from God. It's important not to miss out on God's plan for our lives.
Lori
Thank you Jason for reminding me what is most important
You've got the right attitude... and if you love the work you do then everything else will be easy too. I'm going to check out your YouTube channel.
Heartfelt and full of truth. Thanks for seeing your bigger picture and for the gentle reminder to each of us to remember to do the same.
We just had an awesome dinner with my dad after my son's baseball tournament and I was reminded of how precious time is with our families!
Your post is wonderful - and it reminded me of a line I read or heard somewhere recently: "Think about it and thank about it."
It looks like you have given yourself and your family the gift of "thanking about it."
Good for you!
This is indeed a wonderful reminder for all of us and I agree, material wealth does NOT bring happiness!
Very postive message. It's wierd those little moments you recall later in life.
JASON - HOW TRUE
"Some of the happiest people I know have little material wealth."
On a trip to Ghana to help build a food storage building and teach English we lived amongst the poorest and yet the happiest people I have ever meet.
Jason, you are such a softy ~ and a sweetheart!!! You are so right in that all that really matters is our family and friends and how we live our lives... Here's to you growing old with your family and friends all around you! You make me smile Jason! You make me smile....