A big part of life is defining what is truly valuable to us. Some people are hyper-ambitious, always searching for the next brass ring. Other people are relatively happy where they are, and just kind of coast by. Some people define success by tangible symbols: Money, houses, cars, boats, lavish vacations, etc. Others are more focused on inward feelings of accomplishment, happiness, or safety. I’ve grappled with these questions myself, and I think I’ve more or less distilled the things most valuable to me into two simple concepts:

• Freedom
• Time

These are the only truly priceless, irreplaceable things that we all possess. You can lose your house, your car, and every single one of your material possessions. You can gain all of it (and maybe more) back. I have seen nearly destitute people declare bankruptcy and make a nice life for themselves a few years out. People fall on hard times. It happens. Humans are incredibly resilient; we can recover. What you can’t replace, though, is the time you lose or the opportunities and experiences you give up trying to carve your name on Glory Row. Continue Reading