By Andrea Reay, Executive Director, Discover Burien

What matters most to you? When we’re asked that question we’ll usually answer with our hearts and say: family, friends, community, the environment, the arts, education, etc. Most of us won’t say: making lots of money, having a fancy car, surfing the internet, playing video games. But, if you look at what we actually are spending our time and money on, it often doesn’t reflect the values that we hold in our heart.

It’s so easy to get caught up in what we think “has” to be done, that we don’t take the time to stop, think and reflect on what truly matters most to us. When I did this recently I discovered my life wasn’t always a true reflection of what matters most to me. There are far too many days when the work hours are too long, and not enough time is spent with my family. Even though when I asked myself the question: “what matters most?” I answered “family”. I schedule lots of things on my calendar for work, but nothing for my family, so I started making some changes. I’ve started scheduling time to be with my family, the same way I schedule business meetings and appointments.

This week we celebrate the Chinese New Year. Although Chinese New Year might not be as popular a celebration here in the United States as it is in China, it offers us a wonderful opportunity to reflect again on those New Year’s resolutions we made back in January. Take a moment to think about what really matters to you, then budget your time and your money to be a clear and accurate reflection of your true values. We all make our resolutions with the best of intentions, and then usually abandon them around February. This year, make a commitment to live your best life. That’s one New Year’s resolution, you will never forget.

If community is important, consider volunteering a few times a year for your favorite local charity. If you’re looking for a way to be more involved and active in your community, start a new business, or find your true passion, please give us a call. We are a nonprofit service organization dedicated to economic development and community engagement in Burien and we would love to help connect you to the resources that will allow you to create a life you can live consistent with your true values. If you are a member of Discover Burien, there are even more resources available to you and if you are a Burien resident you can join now for as little as $3 a month and gain wide access to a number of resources and services, all while knowing that your membership fee directly supports the work and the impact we have together in our community.

From all of us at Discover Burien we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year and thank you for taking the time to discover what matters most to you, because you are what matters most to us.

For more information on joining Discover Burien, getting involved in your community, shopping local as well as specials and discounts offered by member businesses please visit www.discoverburien.org.