Nov 30, 2019
This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving...the perfect time of year to reflect on what you and I are thankful for. Practicing gratitude is all the rage these days and I’m so happy about that. Not only does genuine gratitude make us happier, being grateful can also make a meaningful difference in your finances and retirement.
I have this handwritten quote that I wrote on a chalkboard sign 5 years ago, that I still haven’t erased. It serves as a constant reminder to me about what’s meaningful and important.
You may have heard this quote before. It reads: “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things”.
At that time, 5 years ago, I was overwhelmed with my new role as a mother. It was a difficult adjustment for me and I was trying to figure out how to take care of my child and balance marriage, work, and motherhood. I felt like I had no time for myself, which was a radical adjustment. Before my daughter was born, I played golf most days after work in the summer, and could generally do what I wanted with a tremendous amount of freedom. I had sacrificed much to become a mother in my mind, and I was struggling with the resentful feelings I was beginning to have. Then one day, I came across that quote, and it shifted my perspective. Here’s this tiny beautiful baby girl who is growing up so fast. If I continue to focus on what I don’t have (time for myself) or what I can’t do (play golf), I’m going to squander this precious time I have with my baby girl. I’m not going to be present with her, and I’m not going to be able to love her in a way that she deserves.
Focusing on the little things in life, and just being present with her, made me realize that those little things are the big things. That quote still sits on our bookshelf in our living room, reminding me every time I see it to enjoy life, be grateful for what’s right in front of me, and focus on what matters most, and not on what I don’t have or I can’t do.
That’s it for today. Thanks for listening. Tomorrow, we’re going to recap the week and I’m going to give you a little preview of next week’s theme.
My name is Ashley Micciche and this is the One Minute Retirement Tip.
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