I was very fortunate to have been born into the family that I was born into. Much of life, and success in life, depends on planning, commitment, and hard work, and luck usually isn’t a primary factor. But in terms of where, and to whom you are born, your goal setting, positive attitude, and work ethic play no role whatsoever. It’s luck.
Thanks to luck, I was born into a large, fun family. I have two brothers and a sister, a mother and father (who unfortunately passed away about four years ago), lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and four amazing grandparents. I have incredibly fond memories of birthday parties, holidays, and other special events with all of us getting together. Lots of laughs, tons of sarcasm, and so much fun.
I was also extremely fortunate to have all four grandparents later into life. I lost one grandmother in my first or second year of college, but had the other three quite a few more years. These four people were all very special, impacting me each in their own way, but all of them having heavily influenced my life.
While I could write a long list of how each family member has helped shape my life, and it would be impossible to say who was most important, or who had the biggest impact, my grandfather, Bill Padavick, would surely be at the top of the list. Without minimizing the impact other family members have had in my life, and by no means implying more or less love for anyone else, this guy, I believe, may have been the most impactful person in my life (my mother would be a close second, if not first).
Specific acts and encounters with another person, especially if around that person a lot, surely create memories, shape behaviors, and alter beliefs. But it’s not the individual events that have the biggest, longest lasting impact. It’s the overall attitude and philosophy that other person exudes through life that does the most to shape how you think, behave, and live.
This week, I found myself feeling extra grateful for the philosophy that was bestowed upon me by my family. It is this underlying philosophy upon which my life has taken shape. I can attribute it mostly to my grandfather. While he never formally stated it, my mother summed it up one time, and it rocked me. She said that his philosophy on life was simple… There are not too many things in this life that are THAT important, but the things that are important, are VERY important. This gave me clarity about something that I knew existed, and I knew gave our family something special, but hadn’t been put into words. It nailed it for me. I realized why he had had a fairly simple, yet full life…why he laughed so much, worried so little, and why I loved to be around him so much.
I’ve written about my grandfather before, and I’m likely repeating myself here, but this is worth sharing again and again. Why? Because the moment you realize that there really aren’t too many things that are really that important in life, a weight gets lifted off of your shoulders instantly. And the moment you realize how important those truly important things really are, you can begin putting more time and energy into those things, and watch the quality, value, and meaning of your life explode.
So, what’s not so important, and what’s VERY important? Based on what I saw while watching my grandfather…
The car you drive or the house you live in isn’t that important. The amount of money you make or have isn’t that important. Getting a “C” on a test instead of an “A” isn’t that big of a deal. The clothes you wear don’t matter that much. What you do for a living, and your position within a company, not super important.
How you treat other people is VERY important. Doing all you can for others is VERY important. Lifting others up and making them feel special and important is VERY important. Laughter and humor are VERY important. Keeping family your primary priority is VERY important. Being honest and remaining trustworthy to those around you is VERY important. Seeing the good in others and being empathetic is VERY important. Appreciating the simple things in life is VERY important. Living a virtuous life, not just talking about it, is VERY important.
When the foundation of your life is built on a philosophy like this, that there aren’t too many things in life that are THAT important, but the things that are important are VERY important, it makes life a lot easier. It makes decision-making easier. It makes life a lot more fun. It makes life a lot fuller.
How do I know? Because I watched my grandfather live that kind of life. He didn’t tell me how to live a great life, he showed me how to live a great life. And there wasn’t anyone I wanted to be around more than him when I was younger.
If you want to see the anxiety, depression, restlessness, and emptiness lessen… and want more laughter, joy, contentment, and fullness… stop sweating the not-so-important stuff, and put more time, energy, and effort in the VERY important stuff.
I am exceptionally grateful this week as I think about how lucky I am to have had the people in my life, like my Grandpa Padavick, and I am taking some extra time to remind myself what is, and what isn’t, THAT important.
