On March 18th I wrote an article titled "Scaffolding for Success". At the end of the article was the statement: "After all, it’s not the things we buy that make us happy; it’s what we share with others that make us happy."

I think we have lost track of what is really important to us and most of us have not stopped to think about what really matters in life.

It might just be a very valuable exercise. Take an hour or so, sit down in a comfortable location, away from all distractions (this means turning off your cell phone and not being where others can interrupt you) and just take ten or more relaxing deep gut pulling breaths.

In your deep breathing, your stomach should be moving up and down and your chest should be motionless. Breathe is to a count of 4, hold your breathe for a count of 8 and exhale to a count of 12. The idea is to breathe deeply, hold and exhale slowly.

Next, put a huge smile on your face and notice how that makes you feel. Anytime I feel stress I just plaster a huge smile on my face and the tension begins to melt away.

Close your eyes and think about all the things, people, places, and activities that make you happy; things that add value to your life.

On a sheet of paper write down everything that you envisioned while your eyes were closed.

Did you list your cell phone, your cable TV, or your computer? Did you list items that you purchased over the years? Did you list activities or things you have experienced over the years? Did you list friends and the times you shared things? Did you list any times that you did something to help another?

Ok. Finally, look at your list and rearrange it, putting the most satisfying experiences or things at the top and the less satisfying experiences or things further down.

How did that exercise make you feel? What insights did you gain?

Don’t you think it’s time we began doing more of the things that add value to our lives and the lives of others as opposed to buying things that after a few days or weeks get tossed aside, never to be enjoyed again?