{"id":822,"date":"2014-02-27T11:42:04","date_gmt":"2014-02-27T11:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/?p=822"},"modified":"2015-12-02T21:06:56","modified_gmt":"2015-12-02T21:06:56","slug":"what-really-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2014\/02\/what-really-matters.html","title":{"rendered":"What Really Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cGood things happen when you get your priorities straight.\u201d – Scott Caan<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Life is all about making choices. Our time here is precious and what we spend it on should be the things that matter most. It\u2019s often helpful to take stock of our lives and see if our priorities need to be re-evaluated.<\/p>\n

But more important, the choices we make mean the most \u2013 and lead us to doing, living and believing in what really matters.<\/p>\n

The choice to forgive<\/strong> – It’s not always easy to forgive, but it’s always right. Letting go of anger<\/a> and bitterness is much more important than staying upset. It will free your heart and soul and give you room to love more.<\/p>\n

Spending time with our children<\/strong> – Our children\u2019s well-being and happiness is the most important thing we can invest in. It\u2019s easy to get wrapped up in responsibilities, but at the end of the day, family is what matters the most.<\/p>\n

Loving ourselves<\/strong> – Self-love comes a lot harder for some people than others, but it\u2019s important to put this on our priority list. It\u2019s not about vanity, it\u2019s about appreciating yourself, knowing your strengths and capabilities, and keeping a positive outlook about what you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n

Doing things that we love<\/strong> – Passions and hobbies are more than just an interest we have in our spare time. They should be a priority because they make our other responsibilities easier to bear. The special things we hold dear to our heart provide an outlet for our energy and stress, as well as a door for inspiration and insight.<\/p>\n

Meaningful friendships<\/strong> – The gift of friendship is a beautiful one to cherish. No matter what goes on in life, choosing to put your friends on your priority list is a decision you won\u2019t regret. Having close friends means that you never have to walk the road alone.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h1>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer<\/a>. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Simple Paths to an Amazing Life<\/a> | Free eBook: How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cGood things happen when you get your priorities straight.\u201d – Scott Caan Life is all about making choices. Our time here is precious and what we spend it on should be the things that matter most. It\u2019s often helpful to take stock of our lives and see if our priorities need to be re-evaluated. 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