My thanks to many of you for responding so positively to my last newsletter. When what I write means something to you, that means something to me. For almost 45 years, these newsletters have been my primary communication vehicle to reach you. Almost every one has been written from the inside out. They don't come from a marketing company or a financial firm. They come from within because I believe what’s on my heart can be more impactful than what’s on my mind. Thanks for letting me be me.
These past few weeks have felt strangely different and terribly wrong. We now may be at a point where increased optimism is warranted. It certainly is needed. If data holds, we may begin our path to a better place. Things may never return to how they were, but a "New Normal" will emerge. Let's be ready for that "new normal" and lead that return.
Let's look at your landscape
WHAT'S THE DAMAGE?? Is anyone in physical peril? Did anyone lose a job? Do we have meaningfully fewer resources? Is there a danger of losing our home or our health insurance? Financially, how much is lost or endangered? Tactically, that matters. It impacts our life style, our savings, and our budget.
When things like this happen—events that are well beyond our control—they can also affect us on an emotional level. If we are not careful, they can damage our dreams and ambitions.
We don't want that to happen. We've worked with you to BUILD those Dreams and ENABLE those Ambitions.
Let's assess where you, your dreams and your ambitions are right now
- First, let's run a tape measure over your budget and see how this crisis has changed it. We are committing our resources to review individually with you what changes are needed to repair the lockdown damage. If you don't need it, we're happy for you. If you do, that's what we're here for. You are not alone.
- Next, what’s the status of your legal documents? Are your wills and trusts current? Are your trustees and beneficiaries who you want them to be? Is your home owned by your trust? Are you one of the people who’s put off executing these documents because you didn’t think you had all the answers?If any of these questions apply to you, please don’t put your very important legal affairs off any longer. Many firms will help you fill them out now quickly, inexpensively, and virtually. There are no more excuses, but there may be multiple expensive consequences if you don’t have that house in order. If you need capable legal advice, but don’t have an attorney, we are happy to recommend one.
- These recent events put enormous emotional pressure on everyone. Job worries, homeschooling, restless kids, and a thousand other things can push us all to the breaking point. Social distancing and physical exercise aren’t always compatible and that just adds to the pressure. Please reach out to a licensed professional if you need one. Please reach out to me if you need a friend with a positive attitude and a sincere belief that we’re getting through this and it’s going to be OK. In any case, please take care of you.
My close is a beautiful thought from a Native American friend that defines a wonderful role each of us can strive to fill. Thanks, Cynthia.
"In the Native American tradition, one member of the tribe assumes the role of “faith keeper.“ This person‘s role is to remain at peace, centered in the spiritual vision, no matter what events befall the tribe. Even if everyone else in the tribe slips into pain, fear, or dissension, faith keeper is the one person the tribe can rely on as the lifeline to the presence".
Aren't you grateful that you and I have the precious opportunity to serve in that capacity in this important moment for our tribe?
P.S. If we can't be there, we'll Z there, E there or V there.