Almost 2 years ago to the day, I remember sitting at my desk and thinking that I was about to step to the edge, stare out into the unknown, and make the leap. I had decided to leave Merrill Lynch to partner up with two other independent financial advisors and take the final step in my career as we became a fee-only fiduciary firm with the desire to impact our clients with sound financial advice and wealth management. Looking back on that day, I don’t know whether I felt more fear or more excitement. My guess is probably fear! It seems like a long time ago, yet I remember it like it was yesterday. As I sit here today at our office, there is one feeling that is far and above all of the others that I have experienced since that November afternoon in 2017. It is the feeling of GRATITUDE.
I am grateful for the opportunity to come to work everyday with two business partners that are committed to excellence. I am grateful that I have the chance to impact the lives of the clients who entrust me with important financial guidance and decisions. Our firm has been able to grow in those two years and we have added two excellent financial advisors in Mitch and Keith, as well as our newest addition to the team, a client service specialist, with Hannah. There is not a day that goes by that I do not enjoy coming into the office to work alongside our team. I am grateful for the fact that I am blessed to raise my family in Madison, WI. The diversity of the community and the people who I have been able to meet in our 15 years here have made this my home. There is so much gratitude to go around!
There was recently an article that I read about gratitude and how it can lead to a longer life, better sleep, stronger relationships, even a healthier lifestyle. I couldn’t agree more. It is easy in the world that we live in to get caught up in the day-to-day things of life, to constantly feel like we need to be doing more, achieving more, and accomplishing things…but it only gives us a temporary sense of satisfaction. I’ve heard it said that it’s not having what you want, but wanting what you have, and I believe that when you are grateful, you find enjoyment in the uniqueness and blessings that all of us have as individuals. Some of why I am grateful is because of decisions that I have made or things that I have chosen to do. Much of it comes from the fact that the people in my life help to make it what it is… a tremendous blessing to live.
I have spent far less time on social media. I have read far fewer articles about politics and other divisive things. I took up running this year and completed a half-marathon several months ago. I have been reading more about things that I enjoy. All of these have been lifestyle changes that I chose to do this year. None of them have stopped my hair from thinning and my beard from greying though! But I believe that each one of them has helped me to appreciate the blessings that I have and to be grateful for the opportunities presented to me and the people I get to “do life” with. I am excited about the future of this growing firm. I am excited to continue to help people in a career that I am passionate about. And most of all I am grateful that can wake up each day and find a way, personally or professionally to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. I hope anyone reading this can find something today to be grateful for!