I’m enjoying a quiet evening of reflection, thinking about what really fills my days with joy. Growing up on that Indiana farm, life was lean—farming and construction kept my family busy, but we didn’t have much in the way of fancy things. Yet, those years were rich with experiences that shaped me more than any possession ever could. That’s what LivinBestLife.com is all about: chasing moments that matter over stacking up stuff.
My brother and I turned our huge front yard into a battleground—football, ‘home run derby,’ and barn basketball were our treasures. No Xbox, no smartphones—just us, a hoop, and a ball. Those challenges built tenacity and taught me to savor the journey, lessons that stuck with me from my days under Coach Jay Hunsucker’s guidance to my adventures honing my golf game, snow skiing, motorcycling or grilling with friends. Sure, I’ve owned a ‘dream’ sports car and a top-notch stereo in my younger days, but the thrill of a deal closed or a mountain conquered outshines any material high.
I’ve always been wired for experiences: deal-making, travel, trying new hobbies like brewing beer or playing drums. Johnny Carson once said, “Money gives me the freedom to worry about the things that really matter,” and I get that.
Accumulating wealth or gadgets can be a trap; it’s the freedom to live fully that counts. My career in sales and marketing taught me that true satisfaction comes from solving puzzles with people, not from the paycheck alone. And raising my kids? Watching them grow through shared adventures—rifle instruction, zip lines, snow skiing, fire pits—beats any heirloom I could leave behind.
I’ve learned that ‘less is more’ – material things fade or break; experiences shape who we are. I’ve seen how chasing ‘more stuff’ can lead to health struggles like obesity or depression, while getting outside, eating whole foods, and swapping ideas with others lifts the spirit.
So, I’m curious—what experiences have lit up your life more than any possession?
Drop your stories in the comments below. Let’s build a tribe that values living richly through moments, not just material gains. Here’s to chasing what truly matters!
