By Iris Buczkowski
Over the weekend I spent quite a bit of time preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year since people seem to be getting into the holiday spirit, do that extra random act of kindness, or extend a helping hand more willingly. It’s also that time of year that can be maddening for people like me who have an inert desire to do all of the things and try not to get overwhelmed when my list turns into the length of the novel I’d rather be reading. I always remind myself to be thankful and count my blessings amidst the chaos.
Last night I was actually watching the TV (this is a rare event for me), and nothing of interest was on so I put on the American Music Awards – mindless TV can be a good thing. We were watching Taylor Swift execute an incredible performance and then accept the award for Artist of the Decade. I let that sink in – she is so accomplished and talented, and at such a young age! And then she went on to win Artist of the Year! I’m not going to lie, I was very impressed and slightly excited since I am a fan, but in listening to the wisdom of the words she spoke in gratitude and thanks I was truly blown away.
Now apparently TSwift has had some ups and downs over the year – I haven’t kept up on my celebrity gossip since I also have experienced a tremendous amount of change. “Some of it good, some of it complicated.” Yes, Taylor, I can totally relate! “Your stock is either up or down in life,” and all of that impacts your whole being. I couldn’t have said it better myself. “As artists it’s amazing how we can transcend music through so many different changes and phases of people’s lives.” And that’s when it hit me – I get to do the same thing every day in a parallel world and I am blessed to be able to be that person who remains the constant despite transcending circumstances.
I have the privilege to work with people who choose me each day as the person they seek out for advice, and not just on money matters. Wealth management is not a science, it is an art, because no two people or families have the exact same situation. Artists want to create something that will last a lifetime, and wealth managers want lifetime relationships with those they serve. I want the planning I do and the guidance I provide to my clients to give them the feeling that the stock in their life is up because we’ve weathered and navigated the dips or turns along the way.
I never considered myself an artist, but being a wealth manager has allowed me the same feelings that Taylor describes in her speech last night. So especially at this time of year I am thankful for many things, but included among them is the ability to do what I love to do, which is to simply help people. I am thankful for the moments when my stock has been down and for the complicated things, because nothing in life worth doing came from the lack of hard work or challenges, and I love where today finds me.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
