Have you ever been so busy doing good things that you didn’t realize you were neglecting the people who mattered most? Ten years ago, I received a four-page letter from my husband, Dave, that completely changed the way I looked at my life and my priorities. At the time, I was working hard to get Happy Success Ranch Retreats started while serving on boards, committees, task forces, and groups through organizations like Oregon Horse Country, the National Speakers Association, etc. I didn’t even realize how much I had taken on. Dave was working 70-hour weeks while also caring for the horses, the ranch, and our beach house.
The first sentence of his letter was, “I love you, but I cannot do this anymore.” I was shocked. I had no idea he felt that way, and our marriage almost ended. Thankfully, we chose to have the difficult conversations, went to marriage counseling, and I made some changes. I stepped away from many of the boards and committees I was involved with so I could be more present at home with my husband.
When I shared this story with my business coach, Sandra Yancey, she gave me a quote I’ll never forget: “What you take for granted can be taken away.” That was a powerful wake-up call for me. Dave didn’t need me to accomplish more. He simply wanted me to be present. Are you making your priority people your priority? This isn’t just about marriage. It could be your children, your parents, your friends, or anyone who means the most to you. Don’t get so busy building a life that you forget to be present with the people who make that life meaningful.
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