Thursday is Thanksgiving. I would like to continue with my annual tradition of listing the things for which I am most thankful and encourage you to do the same. For me, at least, it makes the challenges of life somehow less daunting. At the same time, I would encourage you to be mindful of and helpful toward people who are facing serious challenges, especially those in your own community who have fallen on hard times.
Here are the things for which I am most thankful. You’ll notice from past Thanksgiving messages that many have remained the same over the years.
- My wife. We’ve been together for over 45 years and she’s still my best friend and chief supporter.
- My two daughters, now 28 and 24. I know it’s hard to believe but they still seem to enjoy doing things together with their parents (sometimes). They are both living their adult lives with their own places, supporting themselves and for a parent that’s something for which to be grateful, for sure. We’ll all be together for several days this week.
- Extended family. We moved back (well, back for me) to California in 2000 in order that we might raise our kids near where I grew up.
- My clients. You’ve stayed with us through our transition to independence. You stay with us although for some of you we are many miles apart. I can’t get across in words how rewarding it is to have the opportunity that we do to have a positive impact on others. I tell people I have the best job in the world, and I mean it! Thank you.
- The loyalty of friends. It’s amazing that even after they get to know me, they still want to spend time together.
- Our team at Carson Partners. Beginning in January 2019 we became a member of a nationwide partnership that provides us and our clients with resources that would never have been available to us without this alliance.
- My colleagues in financial planning, who are deserving of great respect. These are people who resist the sirens’ song of the big corporations, and continue to put their clients’ interests first.
- My health. Each passing year, this one gets BIGGER. Through sensible eating and regular exercise I can lead an active and fulfilling life.
- Being productive. For me, the ability to remain productive and moving forward in a positive way is a major source of personal satisfaction.
- Being in a position to help others less fortunate.
- The opportunity to enjoy the outdoors where so much is available as public property. In most countries you have to be wealthy to have access to hiking, fishing, camping and other activities we enjoy on public lands. As a life-long outdoorsman, this is priceless.
This year, we will be closed Wednesday through Friday for what is my favorite holiday. This will give our staff time to travel to be with their families. I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
Joel
Joel A. Larsen, CFP®, AIF®
Principal, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
