Thanksgiving 2023
November 23, 2023
Thursday is Thanksgiving, and 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.
Before listing my thanks, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge that not everyone is having a great Thanksgiving. Please remember all the people experiencing misfortune and do what you can to help.
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. This January we will celebrate 44 years together, and she’s still my best friend and chief supporter.
My two daughters, now 27 and 23. I know it’s hard to believe but they still seem to enjoy doing things together with their parents (sometimes). We’re having a quiet Thanksgiving with just the 4 of us this year. We didn’t have our youngest with us last year as she was on a study-abroad adventure at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.
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. It’s nice to be able to get together with relatives for family events (when it’s not COVID-y) and just to have fun.
My clients. You’ve stayed with us through our transition to independence. You stay with us although there are many miles between us. 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 than me.
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 Thursday and 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® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
