The shelf-life of your material possessions is zero

Once upon a time I was a big-tech Dad.

In my 30s-40s I worked for big tech companies.

I worked hard. Made good money.

I was commuting 2.5 hours/day.

I’d get up at 5:30.? Go to a synagogue near the office and pray.?

By 745, I was in the gym, working out.

They had a dirt-cheap rate for tech workers in the area.? Sunday-Thursday 6am - 4pm.

By 900 I was at my desk.

I’d leave at 8pm and be home by 930pm. My kids were mostly asleep by then.

Rinse, wash and repeat.

Today I am a post big-tech Dad

I write.?

Market my program for people aged 45-60 to turn their expertise into independence.

I get up at 5:30. ? Pray. Qigong. Cycle if the weather is ok.? Practice saxophone for an hour.

By 900 I am at my desk.

I knock off at 5pm. ? Time for my family.??

A Dad with time for a granddaughter who lives close to us.

As I mentally compared these two dads, my definition of what success means got completely redefined.?

It’s not how much money you are going to leave your kids; it’s the memories you’ll leave them with.

The shelf-life of your material possessions? is zero.

I value the experiences and memories my kids and grandchildren create so much more now.

My granddaughter may not have the fancy toys and big house that some of her friends do.?

But to her those things don’t matter; she has the love I can give her.

Tomorrow we’re watching Exploding Kittens together.

Yes.