What Means the World to You?

This week I had to take some time to reflect and think about what means the world to me.  What means the world to you?  That's an interesting question because it really makes you think.

When I think about this question, the first thing that instantly takes over my mind is family.  These are the people that have always stood by my side through whatever.  These are the people that love me unconditionally.  And even when they are mad at me, they still love me.  I know they would never turn their backs on me because they have always been there for me.  This is my close knit family and the loved ones I have invited to join my family.  These are the people that know my personality, my secrets, my quirks...they know me.

Next, I think about my friends...not just any acquaintances, but the friends that I've let get so close to me that I consider them family.  The friends that no matter how much distance or time is between us, when we talk, we effortlessly pick up where we left off.  It's the people that are just being themselves and it meshes so easily with me while I'm just being myself.  My friends are the ones that make you laugh uncontrollably and make you feel like a kid again.  The ones that can connect with me mentally and understand how I feel.  The ones that took the time to learn how to make me feel better.  The ones that give so much and expect nothing in return.

Then, I think about my priorities and see that family and friends are at the top of my list.  So, I wonder why has it been so long since I've spoken to family and friends.  I try to reach out occasionally, but that sounds weird to me.  If these are my top priorities, why am I letting lesser priorities have the majority of my time?

Sometimes it takes that time to reflect to see how you have veered off path.  Maybe you're not completely off track, just a little off track.  Either way, it still helps to reflect because if you're a little of track now, it may become a lot later if it goes unnoticed.

There are 2 parts to this puzzle.  The first is knowing what means the world to you.  The second is taking the appropriate actions for what means the world to you.