What Matters Most

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

The past long weekend, my family spent time by the water — two different spots, several generations, sunshine, laughter, good food, and stories that made us laugh and tear up a little. I’m especially grateful my dad and husband got to spend some time golfing together. I’m feeling thankful for family, fun, and these precious moments. It reminded me, yet again, that the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all. They’re the people we share our days with and the memories we create together. 

In my work with older adults and their families, I often see how easy it is to become focused on the stuff — the items we’ve accumulated over the years often held onto for sentimental reasons. And some items outgrow their purpose, ending up stored away.  Some of these items can carry meaning, yet they are not the heart of our lives. Whether you’re downsizing, planning a move, or helping a loved one through a transition, it’s worth remembering: the things we take with us matter far less than the people we take the journey with.