How do you make your life more than your job?

 Is it possible in the middle of the holiday season to rise above your work scene and catch your breath? Isn’t it time to acknowledge that life is more than your job and paying bills? I know that the reality is most people, regardless of income level, live one paycheck to the next! Does your life seem to be racing from one event to the next or attempting to do over time so you can afford Christmas?

Yes I get it that we are suppose to be concerned about tomorrow, plan for our retirement and have a 15 year mortgage, yet, the reality is that life has to be more than this! When was the last time you did something totally crazy and unpredictable? I was listening to an interview of a crazy guy who goes beyond running marathons, 50 milers and actually did an 800-mile run in 16 days to run from the northern AZ border to the Mexico border. Most would consider this guy on the borderline side of ultra-crazy. What is he trying to prove or whom is he trying to impress?

This last week we celebrated another anniversary, our 43^rd! I did something utterly crazy and allowed the hotel reservation lady to persuade me to get the romance package added to our stay at this historic hotel in Prescott. So I was excited to surprise my bride with a dozen roses, chocolate strawberries and champagne waiting for us in the room with an early check in and a late departure in-addition to an incredible free breakfast. Yes, this addition cost a little extra to our bill but it was so worth it. We spend too much time being caught up with the details and messes of our lives and those around us.  So it’s perfectly ok to spoil yourself on occasion by being alone without letting text messages, e-mails or phone calls interrupt your life.

I’ve learned so much from my kids, nieces and nephews about making the moment count. It’s been fun to watch one of my kids become an amazing cook, another an incredible dad who is willing to do anything for his son, my hipster nephew become the latte artist that wins competitions and a son in-law who restores ancient cars. Yes it is possible for both the aging parent to learn from their adult kids just as it is possible for the grandkids to learn from a loving grandma or grandpa!

So how do you make your life more than just paying bills and making sure you have your final arrangements made? Please have life insurance and a well thought out plan for what will eventually happen. Just as important please live today to the max! Yes, go for a hike, try some exotic food, watch a movie that is outside your comfort zone and watch SNL, Seinfeld or an Andy Griffith Show.   Do something crazy like run or walk a ½ or full marathon or reach back to a 90-year-old grandma in your larger circle of friends.

Make your life more than paying bills! Go for a hike, read a book or enjoy that fancy coffee drink!