We just got back from a trip "home" visiting my family and my in-laws. It was wonderful and relaxing, a great time with great people, and I still have an insane amount of work to do to put life back together on this side of the country.
We had a few great adventures together, but I keep remembering some simple moments: drying off in the sun on the dock while chatting with a couple of sisters and a sister-in-law; watching my brother-in-law take my preschooler through an improvised "Storm Trooper Training" course; sitting around the kitchen table playing Phase 10 (I won, by the way :)). All were reminders to me that experiences are more important than things.
This article from The New York Times shows that the idea is catching on: If you're going to spend money, spend on experiences that will actually make you happy. But, better yet, you could probably skip a lot of the spending and just focus on doing things that help people and build relationships.
I can't wait until our next visit. It's great to spend time with loved ones, especially when everyone's in agreement that the best thing activity is simply being together.
As you know, I agree 100%. Experiences mean so much more than things. People matter most of all. :)
ReplyDeletestephanie@metropolitanmama.net