Taking Stock

No, this is not about balancing your stock portfolio… it is about remembering what is important. As I was sitting in my backyard lamenting over the fact that the value of my home had dropped so much that I could not take advantage of the reduced mortgage rates (good news on this front and a topic of a future blog post) I took a moment to reflect on how truly fortunate I am. I am healthy and enjoy a vibrant family. I work for a great organization and my wife and kids all have rewarding careers. I live in a wonderful community that is blessed with a small town feel and big town amenities. We have low crime, amazing beauty, and recreational opportunities just minutes away.

One of the things that this economic downturn should do for all of us is to help us remember to appreciate what we have. With rapid economic expansion we were all becoming “me to” purchasers. I saw too many folks comparing square footages and auto models in an ever increasing disposable society. While many of us have been lured into a material mindset, it is time to take stock of what we truly value and make sure we don’t lose that appreciation when our economic challenges go away.

So, let’s take stock of the assets that will be with us for the rest of our lives. It is time to refocus on our family, our friends, our community, our values, and our purpose. What do you truly value? Have you taken time to think of it lately? Please consider the current economic challenges as an opportunity to take a few moments to ponder what is important and “take stock” of your assets. Your discoveries will serve as the foundation of who you will be no matter what the economic climate might be.

There are a variety of tools, books, tapes, etc. to help you with this journey of discovery including one of my all time favorites, Stephen Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” However, the best tool that I have found for clearing my head to focus on what is important is a quiet spot on a sunny rock next to the Rogue River with a pencil and a notepad… I guess it is time for me to “take stock” because I hear the river calling my name!