This was going to be a post about social media. That was the plan for today. However, sometimes life has a way of handing you things that get you thinking and doing social media the “right” way seems just a little less important (but I will write that post don’t worry).
Anyway… yesterday a friend of our passed away. It was sudden and unexpected. She was quite young and it got me thinking.
It’s so easy to get all wound up and wrapped up in the computer, in the online world, in how to build backlinks, and what you should write for your content, in how to get more comments, and yet when you look at your LIFE none of that is really all that important.
When we look at the big picture of OUR LIVES what’s really important?
Our health.
Our family.
Our children.
Our happiness.
I know personally it’s been super easy to push all those things to the side in my infinite quest to make a living online, and I’m quite certain I’m not the only one. Hours and hours, days on end spent at the computer trying to identify the secret sauce that makes it work, the things that will make the money flow.
And yet, the most important things in our lives, our health, and our connections, get left by the wayside. Our hineys get wider, our hearts get weaker ~ because sitting in a chair moving our fingers doesn’t help them get strong and in shape.
I know that since I started working from home (granted it was right around the time I had my kiddo) I’ve put on weight. I’ve been lazy, and more interested in figuring out this puzzle than taking care of myself. But that’s got to end.
I’ve got to make my health a priority ~ because without me, my kiddo has no mom, my husband has no wife.
We only have one life and we’ve got to treasure it, take care of it, nurture it, honor it.
Are you honoring your life, your health, your relationships?
I’ve watched everyone create goals for the new year and I see “I wanna make 5K a month” or I want to build more sites and rule the world…
What I don’t see is I want to be healthy. I want to be connected to my loved ones.
That is JUST as much a part of business as setting up new sites ~ if you lose your family and your life what is it all for anyway?!
With that said… and on a happier note ~ I have been working on my health. I started a 90 day health challenge about 67 days ago. I’m following the plan ~ it’s super simple and easy. I’m never hungry and…
I’ve lost 4 pants sizes in that time. I’ve lost 4 inches off my waist and 3 off my hips… in just two months.
I’m thrilled to pieces, and if you’d seen me trying on new pants at the Walmart you’d have thought I was a nut with the happy dance I was doing. 
I have recently added exercise to my challenge as well. I imagine, if I was able to do all that without exercise I’ll be able to make my goal of a size 7 pants with a little exercise no problem.
This year my goal is to make a shit ton of money ~ don’t get me wrong… but above and beyond that, my goal is to get to know YOU better, really get to know my readers and subscribers, and my facebook friends. It’s to spend more time with the computer OFF and WITH my real life friends and family. It’s to get in shape, lose weight, feel healthy and really truly LIVE my life. Every. Single. Minute of it.
What about you? I’d love to get in shape together ~ if you want to join me in the challenge just give me a shout, hell, call me up (316-350-7429) and let’s talk about it ~ or just shoot me an email. momtohanna [at] gmail [dot] com
It’s important for me to remember WHY I started working from home, and why I don’t just throw it in and just get a job again… it’s because of my FAMILY ~ so it’s time I started treating them like they were the reason ~ and not an afterthought.
What about you? What’s your plan for this year?
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It was interesting to look at facebook as news spread of our friends death… she’d been expressing a lot of loneliness and sadness recently and it didn’t seem that many paid attention, and now her page is blowing up… it seems like we say it out loud too often when it’s already too late.
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Nothing beats the happiness of realization that your loved ones are the reason why you work and thus they are more important than it. Glad to have your thoughts with me, it’s very inspiring.
Kelly Allison´s last [type] ..St.Mark’s
Internet Marketing is addictive for those of us who like puzzles. I can lose a whole day doing stuff, learning stuff. Not that it isn’t productive, but if I didn’t have kids and a farm I would probably not get anything done in the real world. Thanks for the post it was a nice reminder of what is most important.
~Jill
goat milk soaps
Glad to know that you have finally found the courage and inspiration to take control of your offline life
My sole motive for this year is to make shit loads of money, lol to pay for my studies and of course to learn more about the online business world. Having said this, most important of all, I hope I learn how to stick like glue to my goals. Btw you have a really cute daughter 
Gerard York´s last [type] ..8 Things You Should Tell The Tax Credits Office About
In this stressful world everyone are just behind making money. There’s no time left to look to our family’s happiness. By only giving money to family does not make a one a responsible person. They need to spend quality time with family. Through your post you have made an attempt to make readers to understand how much important is family in one’s life. Thanks for posting!
Marc Derikx@Toronto Used Cars´s last [type] ..Jimmy G – Clients Feedback
Family is the core unit of many peoples lives, and mine included. This is a question I ask my self almost every month, about what are the things that really matter in my life. At the end of it all, I am sure the number of blogs are write will just be a mere figure in comparison to the lives of my children, my legacy that will continue in the world for generations to come. I want to give my kids the best, and that is why I have my blogging business going, but also, I want the best for my kids emotionally and by being there for them when they need me, is the best way to do so.
Your are right about taking time to see what is really important. I constantly thank god for my wife and two young boys. They are healthy and full of life.
Even when times are tough taking a step back is sometimes very important.
John@makemoneyonlinein2012´s last [type] ..You can make money online in 2012! So Easy A Caveman Could Do it.
It’s an eye-opener. Truly valuable thought. Yes, some people including me tend to forget themost important thing in life which is we call call quality time together with the family. I’m guilty with it, it happens because of various factors like work etc. It’s good that you reminded us these things. I appreciated it a lot!
We all work hard to make our family happy and to satisfy their needs. This indirectly brings happiness for us and we get a feeling of satisfaction. 2011 year was full of hectic schedules due to which even I was not able to give enough time to my family. Like you, even my goal for this year is to spend quality time with my family. Got motivated with your post. Best wishes to achieve your goal!
In my part, the most important is family,happiness and lastly wealth. I can’t focus in my job if there is something mistakes in my family. They are my inspiration why I need to wake up early in the morning and log on into social media to gain money.
Vernon´s last [type] ..Solid Foundations for Better Vision
This site may be started with the motive of helping mommies. But at the end of the day if you are a man or a woman, you are very worried about your family. I think you have it right, that we in our internet world get so tied up that our family, the most important part in our lives gets compromised. Thank you for reminding me. Hope this New Year will bring us all success in work as well as the opportunity to do the things we love i.e. spend time with the family. All the best.
Thanks for your kind words Dixia ~ and it is so amazing how fast they grow up. I can’t believe my kiddo is already 5 and in school all day. It’s like they say… The days are long, but the years are short. You can’t get this time back, so I’m starting to see how important it is to add other things besides work to my priority list.
Have an amazing new year.
I am a single working mom who works a regular job on the third shift and do some online freelancing at home. I have two beautiful daughters. I usually have my hands full and then I pause and take a deep breath and look at my daughters and think sadly, “How did you grow up so fast?” Sometimes I think that the world would wait for me as I work hard to make our lives better but the world goes on and I end up missing lots of things. There are indeed lots of better things in life.
Reese´s last [type] ..Balance Transfer Game: What You Should Know
Hey Reese,
doh. Like I said, it’s amazing how fast they grow up. Sometimes Hanna says things to me and I look up and just wonder how she got so grown up. Hang in there and find those moments… I have a hard time with this, but I think it would help… when you’re doing “family time” be 100% focused on family. When you’re working then focus on work. I tend to at least have part of my mind on work no matter what else I’m doing… but that complete attention to the kiddos will make it higher quality ~ so even if there isn’t a ton of it, it will mean so much more. Good luck in this new year!!
I just replied to someone else thinking it was you.
Jackie, haha, I was thinking that I’ll have to start soon a diet. I think I’ll try also some step on the stairs
anyway, working at home is great so you can have more time for your family. we are privileged, not rich, unfortunately!!! but still privileged, we love what we do. My wife is so happy when she sees my smile while composing music. She says me it’s like pure ecstasy in my face.
I’ve got many friends with problems at work (office), also very worn out and I don’t envy them.
yes, we are privileged… all freelance workers are. Who cares about money when you love your job and have time for family?
Manuel Marino´s last [type] ..Learn How to Sing
Happy New Year Jackie.
This post was so on time for me. I have declared 2012 “Improve Val” year, and I intend to put health, beauty and creativity on the front burner. Time to get back to fighting weight.
Twenty-five years ago I had just had a baby, was starting my first outside sales job, lost my husband, and generally just starting my life;s journey. I worked hard, raised my daughter, put her through college and thought that now was my time. Unfortunately, some health issues forced me to quit my job and I can no longer work outside the house. Still, I felt that it was the perfect time to start an IM business, and I started studying ways I could go online and make a comfortable living.
What happened? Well, of course my daughter had a baby. She also started her first corporate job. Guess who is the designated baby-sitter? That’s right, ME. The only problems are that i’m 25 years older and 75 lbs. heavier. It takes a lot more energy to take care of a baby given my age and weight.
But I am determined to push through and get my health back and create a successful IM business. I have bought and set up my Wii Fitness Plus, and joined Weight Watchers Online. I have set up a schedule so I can work online around the baby’s naps and when he goes home. I can do this!
I applaud your plans to put health and family first because that is what is most important. Please continue to keep us up-dated on how it goes. Blessings to you and yours..
Good for you Val! I think it’s awesome you’ve decided to take some time for yourself, and what a great mom and grandma you are to take care of the little one.
I have Wii Fit as well, but find it too slow and easy. I hate to work out so when I do I like it to be really hard, and short. 
I have redesigned my site http://www.itsawahmlife.com (finished today! yay) so stop by there and subscribe. I’ll be writing all the “personal” stuff over there. 
Good luck and have a magical year. If we’re not already connected on Facebook shoot me a request. 
You are so right in this post, Jackie!
I work at home as well, exactly, I’ve got home downstairs and my studio upstairs. So the only healthy movement I do daily is going up and down the stairs!!
I’m a musician and my job is creating music, but I’m also an enthusiast blogger. I’ve trying to figure out the internet puzzle for years, and I’m still learning. I wish you all a wonderful 2012
Manuel Marino´s last [type] ..The Variance Amongst Net Internet hosting and Domain Registration
I’m the same way, my office is upstairs. Maybe we need to start going up and down twice (fast) every time we go down the stairs.
Thanks for the comment!
In my opinion, love (family), health and money are the most important things because you have to deal with them daily. Who doesn’t wish the best for his family? Luxurious house, excellent food, going-out with the children, going-out on a romantic date with your wife. But, also, to do all of these things you need to be healthy, and your family needs that too. So it’s important to focus on the large picture, not on the “small picture” like everyone does. Yes, it’s important to take care of the (little) details, because they are important too, but always take a good look in perspective, you have the chance to see more. Thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year!
Joshua@Plumbing Training´s last [type] ..Plumbing Schools
Jaci, your right on. Health is a main goal this year for me, myself, my loved ones and my business. Basically without a healthy me there is no healthy business, no healthy relationships etc.
I have had a few friends pass this past year and honestly an enlightening perspective overtook me. Computer work is quite frankly unhealthy. I look in the mirror and think what happened?
So, there it is. My health and exercise before all computer work. I expect my overall time will be spent with a much better perspective, more productivity and a feeling of balance will rule me not my computer!
Bring on the Zumba and free weights! Happy Healthy New Year !
Jan
Rock on Jan!! Have you found bodyrock.tv yet? I’m LOVING their workouts. Let’s connect on facebook, I’d love to support each other in our fitness journeys!!
Well, I know why you couldn’t write about social media – yet – because I needed to hear this today!!! Although I’m sure your article will be a good one.
I’ve already signed up to A Year With Myself through your link and downloaded the first two prompts. Very excited to get to it. I’m a early a.m. journalizer who usually does stream-of-consciousness writing. A Year… sounds like a great way to dig deeper into myself and get back on track with who I am. Spending as much time as I do carrying for others, I realize I’ve lost who I am. This will be a great way to right that sinking ship.
Is that Daddy? They look so cute together. I’m sorry to hear about your friend, especially someone who is young.
This post and the links in your email have given me a new pep this evening when I needed it the most. I definitely want to get to know you better as well. I’ve followed you for some time and would love to be a part of your circle!
Edie Dykeman@eldercare´s last [type] ..Aweber Learning Curve
I’m glad this was good timing for you Edie! I think the year with myself sounds very good as well. I’m really looking forward to digging in.
I look forward to getting to know you better this year as well… we’re already connected on Facebook, aren’t we?
Yep, that’s my hubby and the kiddo ~ I noticed I have so many pictures of them, and not so many with me! I’m usually the one behind the camera.
Coming from a position of desperation I find myself working 16 hours a day and going to bed feeling disappointed that I didn’t achieve more. I console myself with the thought that the effort I put in today will reward me 10 fold down the line. Fortunately I do not have small children, but I do find myself resenting time away from the computer, because that is time that I could have used building my business. I am constantly worrying that I am going to get totally burned out, and then become completely non-productive. Anyone that says making money on the Internet is easy is deluding themselves. Oh, it CAN get easier, but you have to put in the time first. Once in a while I have to just walk away and find something else to do, just so I can reduce the stress.
Dee@Tabletop Lazy Susans´s last [type] ..Tabletop Lazy Susan – Versatile, Functional, Space Saver updated Tue Jan 3 2012 5:16 am EST
I totally get that feeling of resenting time away from the computer ~ I definitely went through that! My only tip ~ and you didn’t ask me for one, but guess what! you’re gonna get it! Is make sure you’re spending all that time on profitable actions, and not “busy work”. Sometimes it’s really easy to make the “busy work” feel like real work when it’s really not. If you wanna chat about it give me a buzz or connect up with me on Facebook and we’ll chat.
Hang in there, those long days DO pay off in the end. 
Hi Jackie,
I definitively know what you mean about not looking after ourselves, as well as gaining a few pounds I find myself at my laptop at all hours not getting any sleep – not good! Maybe time to take a step back and remember why I started this, thanks for the nudge in the right direction
sleep is very important… me I LOVE sleep, so it’s never an area I’ve let slide. But it’s really important, so YES! Get some sleep.
I have been reading a lot of posts with New Year goals and the thing that i have noticed is that many people are concentrating on making lots of money. It is sad to realise that it can take a life changing action in order for people to realise that money isn’t everything.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Having a great Christmas with my family helped to reinforce how important it is to spend time with those you love cos you never know what could happen.
Here’s wishing you a wonderful New Year.
Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa´s last [type] ..Time for Reflection and New Years Resolutions
I hate to admit it but I was somewhat dreading an extended vacation and having Hanna home… but it ended up being a wonderful time. I took an entire week “off” for the first time EVER and enjoyed every minute of it! I was a little sad to send her back to school again today.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, and yes, some wonderful time with my family definitely helped cement the need to make it a priority again!
Great post! I know exactly what you mean by a wider rear and fingers do not make for good cardio. I’ve never been in such poor shape in my life. I need to get up and move more so I’ll feel better, but I don’t feel like getting up and moving more. It’s that catch-22 that JM spoke of.
I do need to work a little harder this year. Not to the point of stress or burn out, but be more consistent and work smarter actually. I need to focus on building relationships with people online. Without those, the money won’t come. And second focus is the money.
Yes, I’d love to make at least $5K per month, but I don’t want money to be the main reason I do this. I feel if you build personal relationships, care about people and make good honest recommendations, the money will follow. I see others doing this, so I know it works and I’m sure it’s more sustainable than being one of those scummy, cheesy marketers.
I finally asked the question of what I’d do if I took money out of the equation. Would I be in IM and online ventures? The answer was yes, so I figure that’s the path I need to follow.
I get really sick of hearing the gurus talk about how hard you need to work, like you need to slave over this. I refuse. If I can’t build a business in 4 hours per day, then it’s not really worth it. Most days, I do put in more than that (busy work) but if I can’t give 4 hours of productive, business building work, then something is wrong with the system. Just my opinion.
Can’t wait to share the year with you. I see so many people looking to make this year simple and profitable too. I believe we can do it and still enjoy life away from work.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hugs!
Patti
Patti´s last [type] ..The Trek Into How to Build an Email List
I whole heartedly agree… and it CAN be done in 4 hours a day IF you do what needs to be done, and not all the “stuff” that keeps you from doing the real work. I think, for me, fear comes into play around doing what really needs to be done, so I do what’s really easy for me (um, hello blogging!), and then the whole day goes by and I haven’t done the “real” work… however… on the days when I truly WORK it’s done so quick and I have plenty of time to do other things ~ like hang out with my kiddo (and workout eek).
I too look forward to watching you flourish this year. 
Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, Jackie, congrats on the success of your health challenge, you are really on your way in that department. I’m so sorry about the unexpected death of your friend. That happened to my sister’s husband a couple of years ago, and it truly does bring the importance of family and being connected to other human beings into much sharper focus. I have been much better about telling all members of my family I love them during every conversation, even if it feels a bit awkward at times, since we weren’t always used to that. I’ve made a point to express my feelings in words to people who have made a huge difference in my life more often. But I can still get even better at that.
I have also been literally glued to the computer since leaving my desktop publishing job in 2001, and my weight has gone up and down, and up again, several times. I started a P.T. pet care / dog walking business in August, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with it even in very hot or very cold weather so far. My huge love of all animals is the driving force — in my office job days, if I got a headache or a stuffy nose or sore throat, I’d struggle mightily (and often) with whether to call in sick or not (IF I had time available).
I wear too many hats in how I earn income these days, and I’d like to create more PASSIVE online income this year — I do earn some from affiliate sales and Adsense and I’d like to increase that and be able to back off on web design for others, transcription typing, and providing gigs on Fiverr.
Happy New Year, I’m truly excited about the possibilities for us all in 2012!
what a great point about saying it… I think so many times we assume people know how we feel, but sometimes they don’t. It was interesting to look at facebook as news spread of our friends death… she’d been expressing a lot of loneliness and sadness recently and it didn’t seem that many paid attention, and now her page is blowing up… it seems like we say it out loud too often when it’s already too late.
Congrats on your pet business that’s awesome! If you want to come join me in the challenge I’d love to have you and we can help each other stay on track.
Yes, passive income is definitely one of my goals this year as well… consistent passive income… it’s all fine and good to make a bunch of amazon sales one day but there’s always those days when you don’t make any. I am really focused on creating consistent passive income, so I KNOW what’s coming, and can plan. 
If you need any help let me know ~ and we’re already connected on FB I love seeing you pop up in my stream, always so positive. 
I know firsthand that if you don’t have your health then you had nothing or almost nothing. It was my health issues that cost me my job back in 2008. It is my health issues that have made it hard to even work online from home.
I have had countless days where I was too sick to even do anything. It is a big part of the reason that my content is not built up like it should be on my blogs.
Sure, I will admit that during the moments that I have felt okay enough to work……I did not focus and work hard enough. I was just so darn happy to feel halfway normal and then I would just do “busy work” and not the money making tasks.
That is why I’m fully committed to doing my money making tasks consistently this year (and every year). I cannot afford to waste anymore time. The last 3-4 years has been hard because I’ve always been the type of worker to put in way more than 100% effort, but I just have not had the health to do it.
It’s hard to write and create while dizzy or in pain.
My health problems cost me a really good paying job with benefits. So, our household has been on one income and no health insurance. If I had tried harder on the days or moments that my health was cooperating, then I could have at least made money to help pay for my medical costs and things that I need to get my health back.
It’s a catch 22 really. You need your health to make money. You need money to stay healthy. Fortunately, I’m lucky to have a dad that has helped me with doctors appointment expenses and costs for supplements and other things.
Maintaining relationships is super important. That is not something that I have been able to manage well anymore. I don’t drive due to random dizziness and it’s all I can do to make it through a day managing my up and down health. I’m fortunate to have a couple of really understanding friends that will go out of their way for me. Family relationships? No one in my extended family has even bothered to pick up a phone or send an email asking how I feel or how I’m doing. Not once since 2008.
My immediate family members do care.
Funny thing is…….back in my healthier days……it was always ME who was the one to cultivate and maintain relationships. Now I see who is only a fair-weather friend/family member.
Sorry for the long comment, but my point to all this is….Take care of yourself first and foremost and always treasure the time you spend with those who have proven to be truly invested in you and yours. Really stop and evaluate who to have in your life and who you will ultimately trust when life throws you curve-balls.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend passing away.
long heart felt comments are always welcome.
I hear you on the catch 22 ~ it’s been my relationships that have suffered most in my own personal catch 22. AND I’m doing what I can to fix that now. I look forward to hearing more from you this year… I can feel it’s going to be a good one for you. 
How weird is this……
I was on Lynn Terry’s Vlog and she posted a video about Happiness today. I just watched it and she made reference to some of the same things I just did in my comments (specifically about friendships)
I know that you already check out Lynn’s stuff Jackie, but I thought I would mention it because it was so timely to what your post is about and what some of my comments were as well.
Oh yeah, I really liked when you posted videos. I love to read blog posts, but sometimes it’s cool to see and hear you talk your points out loud. Video can always be transcribed as well. I wish Lynn Terry would have her video’s transcribed as well. It would probably be helpful for those who either don’t have time to watch or want to reference a good point made. Also, the visually and/or hearing impaired could benefit as well.
thanks for the heads up, I haven’t stopped by over there yet today. I’ll put it on the list (so I don’t forget!) Right now I’ve GOT to get to the grocery store or I’m going to run out of time before I have to pick up Hanna.