Thankfulness and Finances
In the fast-moving world we live in I appreciate the rare opportunities to slow down. Thanksgiving is one of those times and I’m grateful for this holiday, as it provides a vital reminder of how important gratitude is.
I’ve worked with many different people spanning a wide range of financial situations, and through my experience I can confirm what a variety of studies have shown, you can’t buy happiness. There are those who have more than enough yet are never content, and others with very little who have found joy in the midst of challenging circumstances. This isn’t to say that our financial situation doesn’t have an impact on our day to day lives, but our financial well-being can be more about an attitude than a number.
For me personally, I tend to look down the road for what’s next a lot more often than I look in the rearview mirror. Part of this is my nature as a planner and part of it is that we live in a busy society that is driven by goals, accomplishments, and the next thing (whatever it may be). Though some of this can be positive and beneficial, it can also become a trap that sows discontent, and I can find myself falling into it at times. After reading the following “thankfulness test” designed to reveal how prominent gratitude is in our lives, I was convicted initially, and then reminded to be thankful for the blessings in my life.
- How much time do you give to comparison?
- How much time do you give to complaining?
- How much time do you give to coveting?
During this holiday season I would encourage people to take a break from the constant deadlines, tasks and even good things down the road, and reflect on what you’ve already experienced and to be thankful for what you have.
I also want to sincerely thank my family, friends, clients, and all those that allow me to do work that I love and enjoy, and trust is making a positive impact.
If there is anything I can do for you, please do let me know. You can always reach me at advisor@blakegallion.com
