tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post8085279081443572024..comments2023-09-17T15:44:55.446-04:00Comments on My Wandering Mind: Simplicity & GratitudeJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-27088233932319023472012-03-29T21:23:30.682-04:002012-03-29T21:23:30.682-04:00I do believe you have your priorities in line. We ...I do believe you have your priorities in line. We have to make a living and we have to have contact with loved ones. Good job, ♥Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-75111537578810006272012-03-29T21:19:09.295-04:002012-03-29T21:19:09.295-04:00Family should always come first. Unfortunately, as...Family should always come first. Unfortunately, as you've stated here, family is usually the first to suffer when one is pressed for time. Finding an employer that isn't so needy yet still pays enough to survive is damn near impossible. The economy has been having a never-ending growth spurt and it's doubtful that it will slow down any time soon. It's a vicious cycle, the world evolves, the population grows and with it the demands needed to satisfy and nourish it so that it continues to flourish. Not to mention,the workaholics have to make up for the slackers and because there is no balance in that area, it puts more weight on them.<br /> I don't have a husband or any children but my job does have wonderful hours that allows me enough free time to spend with the people that I care about or just use to do what I enjoy, as well as pay my bills and eat. I have busy months where I put in crazy hours but luckily they are never twelve consecutive busy months...it all evens out. Still there have been times when I have to stop and remind myself that my work isn't my life and in the end, the connections with the people I love are all that matters.Dances With Vodkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17826849421762801692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-53643341457973005222012-03-04T15:34:05.729-05:002012-03-04T15:34:05.729-05:00I look forward to that personal meeting! I will n...I look forward to that personal meeting! I will never be rich, may never even be financially secure, but I am happy and I am currently okay. My bank account is no one's dream, but I have food and the bills are paid. I also know that if I can't afford to pay for it, I don't have it.<br />It's simply a matter of prioritizing our time and our money and our lives! Done and done. :) ♥Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-50007780732417778312012-03-04T15:29:38.483-05:002012-03-04T15:29:38.483-05:00That disease you describe is rampant in today'...That disease you describe is rampant in today's workplace. I find it sad, others find it invigorating or even necessary to make a success of business now. I'm a firm and forever believer that a good business making a good profit is the same one that respects their employees and respects the need for family time or personal time for each of them. Flex time scheduling works for many large and small companies and many other 'changes' in how things have always been done, can see a company grow quickly because their most valuable assests, their employees, are actually happy and giving 100% while on the job. It works and I wish more companies would realize that a happy work environment does produce the desired dedicated work force they all seek.<br />Maybe one day.......Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-87651296476172700622012-03-04T05:57:39.081-05:002012-03-04T05:57:39.081-05:00you are so right on Jo...hehe (rich at 50) that ma...you are so right on Jo...hehe (rich at 50) that made me chuckle as i am hitting 55 this year. I am lifting a glass with my left hand (connected to my heart) can you hear me? CHEERS my friend..(one day we will do this in person!) MUAHBrenda Stevenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01673692345871148871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-81480623613083844012012-03-03T13:36:12.852-05:002012-03-03T13:36:12.852-05:00As I read this I realized that the crazy "wor...As I read this I realized that the crazy "work sickness" that we have where I work is not unique to us. We talk a lot about the old "work/life balance" but it gets harder and harder to attain (and let's face it: unless you are giving 50 percent to work and 50 percent to life, the equation just doesn't work). I recently stepped down from a high-level management role after a number of personal events knocked the wind out of me -- although I still didn't go down without a struggle. Now that I've stepped back to a less stressful, less visible role a funny thing has happened: I am less stressed out and actually enjoying my life! Reminds me of something I have pinned over my desk: "People resist change because they overestimate what they have and underestimate what change can bring them". Interesting to consider...Thanks for sharing this piece!Denine Severino Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00844094103914378546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-27954214401632926752012-02-29T23:11:41.470-05:002012-02-29T23:11:41.470-05:00That's great, Anna. Family time should be a pr...That's great, Anna. Family time should be a priority and making sure your kids know and get lots of grandparent love is also a parents job, I think. Making time for extended family when the kids are growing up becomes a lifelong habit. I am 62 and still make time for my family. It matters. The most.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-54250839563758316422012-02-29T23:09:37.421-05:002012-02-29T23:09:37.421-05:00She is doing much better. Just returned to work th...She is doing much better. Just returned to work this week, at a slower pace, I am certain. Thank you and I'm glad you have relaxed into your life. ♥Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-32424170643819238102012-02-29T21:32:00.685-05:002012-02-29T21:32:00.685-05:00You are so right! I am extremely selfish with fami...You are so right! I am extremely selfish with family time, some people don't understand, but our kids are only young for a short time! Time moves so quickly! Great post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02968775323161746642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-79904614230432324902012-02-29T12:20:52.834-05:002012-02-29T12:20:52.834-05:00Absolutely! Well put.. I was the always busy per...Absolutely! Well put.. I was the always busy person never any time, but then I started to write and my life shifted. I remain at a constant state of activity but I am not harried. I have a clear line on my priorities. I hop your daughter is doing well.brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480258485472568272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-69662411825852805232012-02-29T00:52:41.036-05:002012-02-29T00:52:41.036-05:00My daughter is 9 hours away and in the same boat. ...My daughter is 9 hours away and in the same boat. I don't understand it at all. I love the simplicity of my life and I wish all the kids would just kinda step back and reassess. She is doing that now because she suffered a TIA in January and now understands your body will tell you to stop, one way or the other. She is re-prioritizing her entire life and it does make me happy that she is recuperating and also making changes to stave off another shut down.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-66656780232340767232012-02-29T00:23:23.788-05:002012-02-29T00:23:23.788-05:00You are so right. My daughter and her family not ...You are so right. My daughter and her family not only live 8 hours away, but are just full out constantly busy. She doesn't want to hear a message like yours, but in my 62 years I know that you are completely right.pbquighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272713311572221677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-83516610152294379872012-02-28T22:23:12.422-05:002012-02-28T22:23:12.422-05:00If ever there was a couple who was entitled to &#...If ever there was a couple who was entitled to 'help', it would be you guys. I am talking like nanny help on a full time basis. Or maybe a less expensive lifestyle where the bills don't drive the budget quite so hard. I don't know, I just always think you could surely use some help, all of you!<br /><br />♥ I am in awe of you, but you know that.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-24547053563020773202012-02-28T22:17:54.609-05:002012-02-28T22:17:54.609-05:00It sure does. Time is what you gain when you give ...It sure does. Time is what you gain when you give up some of your financial security and your career. Time for living.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-78084349851685832482012-02-28T15:34:39.471-05:002012-02-28T15:34:39.471-05:00Sigh. Sometimes I think it is easier said than don...Sigh. Sometimes I think it is easier said than done. <br /><br />My husband and I are slaves to autism, which means that we are slaves to his paycheck since autism is not covered well by insurance. Having more than one child on the spectrum is crippling. <br /><br />I watch him walk out the door in the morning with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He works late. He comes home to put the kids to bed, and he goes back to work in his home office. He works on Saturdays and any other time he can.<br /><br />Hmm, how to lead life and not let it lead you....Amy McMunn https://www.blogger.com/profile/04777029840258598019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-75160150010028162842012-02-28T12:22:06.167-05:002012-02-28T12:22:06.167-05:00Good advice. That simplicity needs to be there fo...Good advice. That simplicity needs to be there for spouse as well. It makes for a happier home in retirement...Darlene ~Bloggity Blogger~https://www.blogger.com/profile/08202901408911879517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-34913873670001927732012-02-27T20:00:19.836-05:002012-02-27T20:00:19.836-05:00You got it right! There is no need to be on the g...You got it right! There is no need to be on the go 24/7! Everyone needs to learn to relax and just hang out with people who love you. They are your biggest fans why not find some extra time to be with them?<br />Talking is kind of an old fashioned past time, but I sure love talking with my family. For hours on end!Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-1838901048367768752012-02-27T19:58:35.269-05:002012-02-27T19:58:35.269-05:00Sondra...It's such a difficult thing to unders...Sondra...It's such a difficult thing to understand when you are the one wishing to see the kids and their kids, but we have to try to go to them as often as possible because they just don't have the same "obligation" gene that we had. I never considered not going to my folks with the kids at every opportunity because that's what I was expected to do. I don't expect my kids to do that, but I wish they would.<br />I also have said and will say again, if you want them to come and visit, it has to be fun for them once they get there. I always wanted to have a home where everyone wanted to hang out, but apparently I don't have that. They come once in a while and they do like to swim sometimes in the summer, but in the winter, we see the kids we go visit.<br />So to simplify your own life and remove the loneliness, go visit the ones you are missing. We do.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-19559785942030412142012-02-27T19:54:16.438-05:002012-02-27T19:54:16.438-05:00Kathy...It's easy for me to look back and reme...Kathy...It's easy for me to look back and remember how hard it was to make time to be with the kids when they needed me. For one summer and into the fall I had to work 2 40hr. jobs to make ends meet. It was horrible and I was able then to get one job that paid enough that I could work just 40 hours and actually parent my children. It was a relief and I remember clearly how out of hand the kids got in such a short time. <br />I learned from that that I needed to be their mom first and figure out how to cut expenses and make the one better paying job work for us. It was not easy and money was very tight, but my kids had a parent and I have zero regrets.<br />♥Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-26607542316179534152012-02-27T19:43:43.161-05:002012-02-27T19:43:43.161-05:00Jo, I really enjoyed this post. And it's so tr...Jo, I really enjoyed this post. And it's so true. I was fortunate enough when the two older kids were young I stayed home with them. My relationship with them today is a result of the bond we cemented so long ago. I haven't had much of an issue with them as teens because they have developed a respect for me, knowing I simply care about them. Yes, everyone rushes. Even parents with kids activities. I encourage my kids to slow down, and simply relax. Tell them to sleep in on their days off. No need to go go go. Time will always be found for anything else that needs to get done.danneromerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09268830006681589842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-54309360298859127722012-02-27T19:28:42.715-05:002012-02-27T19:28:42.715-05:00It does, but today those kinds of jobs are the one...It does, but today those kinds of jobs are the ones that pay enough to actually own a home and make a future. So, what cha gonna do?Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-34689059779747349552012-02-27T19:27:48.684-05:002012-02-27T19:27:48.684-05:00I see! Young 'un!I see! Young 'un!Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285427147723972295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-26570204496723654932012-02-27T16:46:31.872-05:002012-02-27T16:46:31.872-05:00What a great blog you just wrote. Simplicity is no...What a great blog you just wrote. Simplicity is not easy, for me at least, to write about ...so I read your explanation, and it felt great.<br /><br />Families of young children spend a lot of money travelling to nearby parks and recreationsl areas, but they just do not feel it is important to travel, a lessor distance, to visit their older mother or grandmother. I can tell you this from personal experience. Kids today, of all ages, find their own things to do are more important to spend money on, then to visit their aged family members. Its a bad life out there to teach the youngest. I hope I am replying to the word correctly,..if not,,then I am sorry ..just take my opinion as it stands anyway, Loved your article.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03368309179097888963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-16629337234046262182012-02-27T09:42:48.894-05:002012-02-27T09:42:48.894-05:00What a wonderful post about priorities and the les...What a wonderful post about priorities and the less is more theory. It is a pity that people have to work so hard and so much to just make ends meet. What really matters in the end is not the stuff you accumulate but the people you were close to and you leave behind. It is hard to enjoy life if you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off. Well said Jo!<br /><br />Kathy<br />http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11564863484894692249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032376069218624542.post-81160959349996013662012-02-27T02:04:18.946-05:002012-02-27T02:04:18.946-05:00I guess it all lies in priority setting, I agree w...I guess it all lies in priority setting, I agree with you!Claudia Moserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15749097943320550338noreply@blogger.com