Life lessons on getting older and wiser

Lately, I feel that every year or so I have come to a place in my life where my priorities are changing. What was important last year isn't important now and what I thought I needed last month, I've realized I can do without. Is this what getting older and wiser is all about?

That moment when you realize there is more to life than what you've been doing ...

Looking back and wondering where did the time go?
Time is running out. My baby is almost a teenager.

I want to leave the rat race and go far away from it all. Far away from Facebook and Twitter. They can suck the life right out of your life if you aren't careful.

I want to read a book. Play a game with my son.

Have a real conversation with a friend ... In real life ... Not by text or instant message.

Get outside and see the world.
Go explore what Mother Nature has to offer and yes, photograph the heck out of it!

I think the most recent change started when my computer crashed. It forced me to take a good look at the people around me and opened my eyes to a lot of things I didn't like. Life has a funny way of letting you know what's really important.

I will still be writing, but maybe a little less frequently. At the moment I am thoroughly enjoying my decision to slow down and take whatever life has to offer me. Fewer deadlines means less stress and more time with my family.

If I only knew in my 30's what I know now in my 40's ...