Slowing Down to Get the Most Out of Life

I've been thinking a lot lately about what's important to me, where my priorities are and how I can get more out of life. Initially this led to contemplating what I want to get out of the next year, or in some instances simply what I want to get.

Living where I do, in the province of Alberta, where economic slowdown, while noticed is not really changing the behavior of most people, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material things. I've been as guilty of this as many (perhaps more than many). I've got a great boat, a beautiful house, two vehicles for my family and holiday trailer that, while not brand new, is still probably more of a luxury than I would like to admit. Of course, like every good consumer, the list of things I want is much longer than the list of things I already own.

As I was considering how to prioritize my list of desires, which should I get first, I started to think about my current situation. My life is blessed beyond measure. Not only do I have a lot of great things, much more importantly, I have a fabulous family and a lot of really great friends. I HAVE A GREAT LIFE.

I am going to celebrate this life with my friends and family. I am going to share with them the privilege I have in owning what I own and being able to take part in the acivities that I do. I amgoing to give more to those who are not as fortunate as I am, whether just down on their luck or living in a part of the world where life is just that much harder. See, I have not experienced hunger, I don't knowwhat it is like to have to sleep outside in the cold every night, I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

I do believe that I can make a difference, even if it's just for one person. So, for me, it's time to slow down, to enjoy what I've been given, and to share my life with others. I'll let you know how it goes.