It’s the start of a New Year, as well as a New Decade. I’ve never believed in the magic of New Year’s resolutions. I’m constantly trying to be a better person than I was the day before, and I work on that every time of the year.

You can never really start over, because your past is always there reminding you what you are living for today.

One thing I am constantly trying to improve on is creating memories for my children. In a world where technology has taken over I want my children to learn how to have fun without a phone or tablet. To be able to open a book and appreciate its worth.

I grew up with no technology and my best memories are as a child. My mom was good at it and I don’t think she ever realized it. She did so much of it alone, it was probably hard for her to realize.

So much of this society is based on what you have and what you own. Is it really worth it to work 60+ hours a week to afford a car, when a $1200 car will get you to work just as well?

I want my children to know how to work, to realize that nothing comes for free, but to also realize where to concentrate their money. Materialism is favored so frequently.

Living simple is far more attractive to me. Having the ambition to explore, not being embarrassed to read from a real book, actually having a personality with no phone or device, and being comfortable in clothing that makes you feel good, not because of the name brand.

Intelligence should be favored more frequently. It has nothing to do with what college you attended or if you didn’t even attend college. If more conversations took place we would learn more about a persons intelligence. A homeless man could hold more insight than a Harvard graduate, but how would you know? Unless, you actually spoke to them.

I also strongly encourage my children to participate in sports. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is important to learn. We can all learn and grow from someone else when our ego is pushed away.

Every day is a day to try better, not just January 1st.

There is adventure in every day, adventures that money could never buy.