If it's not on paper, did it really happen?

"What is most important to you"? This was the question asked to me today when I was searching for what to write about this morning. I thought this is a huge question for a Monday morning, but then I thought what better way to start off the new week by tackling something difficult.  

We could all make a list of the things that are important to us. I bet the majority would put our families first. But why? I am sure you will say because they are my family and I love them. But isn't that usually the case for everyone though? I think if you really want to define what is most important to you, you must go deeper than just writing down what is important to you. You need to write down the real why's.

Why is my family most important to me?

1-  Fourteen years ago this May I wanted to have someone else in my life more important to me than myself.

2- A little over 19 years ago I helped create a life that would forever change my path in life

3- A little over 12 years ago I helped create two more lives that would forever change my path in life

4- My choices in life and how I choose to live it are moved and shaped by these four people I call my family

5- Losing any of them is my biggest fear of my life

6- Their love is my love

7- Their pain is my pain

8- Their happiness is my happiness

9- I am full of pride when I think of my wife and kids.

10- My family has the most meaningful place in my heart, mind and soul

When we write the reason's down on paper It allows us to see the real meaning behind the why's. This forces us to think deeper and more clearly about the why's. It allows for the emotions that are involved to come out into the open. It reminds us of the power these feelings and emotions have over us. Even though we know these things deep down inside, seeing them on paper in front of our own eyes gives us the ability to add definition to these feelings. They keep our feet firmly planted and our eyes always looking forward, because your future is their future and their future is yours too.