I know, I know. 2020 statistically has not given us a whole lot to be thankful for. I’m not here to convince you that everything’s perfect, because it is far from it. But, as you sit six feet apart at the dinner table thinking about the giant mess that has been 2020, remember that there is a lot to actually be thankful for!
Here are just a few things to consider:
- 2020 is almost over. Yes, that’s right! It’s not like the streak of bad luck will magically end when that clock strikes midnight, but symbolically, it will be over. We can leave it behind us, look ahead and move on. Let’s use the new year as an opportunity to heal from the hurts 2020 has dealt us.
- We had an election this year. Every four years we get the chance to decide on our leadership, whoever that turns out to be. Any chance we get to mold our future should be taken, and this year gave us just that opportunity! Regardless of who you supported, you had the freedom to make your voice heard.
- Nature. It’s late fall, and most of the leaves on the trees are bare now. The good news is that local trails have seen less traffic in months past, and it shows! Animals make appearances more frequently and less litter adorns our pathways, making for a much lovelier stroll for those of us who like to take walks. Cities that have been plagued with smog in the past have started to see the best air quality they’ve had in a long time. In India, where air pollution is among the world’s worst, people are reporting seeing the Himalayas for the first time from where they live!
- The Internet. Can you imagine a lockdown 25 years ago? The internet is such a huge part of our lives, and it’s hard to imagine what life would be like right now if we didn’t have it. We use it to work, keep in touch with our family and friends, go to school, entertain ourselves, and keep up with the news!
- Christmas is coming. If you love decorating and curling up by a fire with a mug of cocoa, then you’re in luck! The holidays will be here before you know it, and with it Christmas cheer!
- Frontline Workers. Many people saw their businesses shut down earlier this year with the rise of COVID-19. Essential workers helped keep everything running from food services to emergency services. They put themselves at risk to make sure our modified world ran just a little bit smoother, and they all deserve our gratitude.
We’ve had a lot of interesting things happen so far this year, but we still have some time to go. While many of us look back on the year negatively, there’s still a lot of good to be had. Make sure that you take the time to appreciate those good things, and the entire year won’t seem like such a trainwreck.
One thing financial advisors are thankful for is our clients. Every day they trust us with their financial future, and that means so much to us. We’ll continue to work hard to build that trust all year round.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a financial checkup, give us a call at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or go online to book a 15-minute chat with us today!
Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®
