Reflections and Gratitude

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”

— Amy Collette

As the year comes to a close, I'd like to take a moment to reflect and express my gratitude to you.

Back in March of this year, I challenged myself to start writing every week and hopefully bring value to my readers. As I write this piece, it will be the 42nd straight week of publishing this newsletter.

I am eternally grateful for your unwavering trust and confidence in me. It’s been a privilege to be able to share my thoughts with you.

Reflecting on 2024

The resilience and strength that my friends and family have shown over the past year has been inspiring. Their positive attitude and determination while navigating life's challenges and making important decisions have been remarkable.

In July, my oldest son Jeremiah turned 23 years old and has continued to pursue his education towards a career in financial planning while working at our firm. Julian turned 22 years old and has been working full time while going to school. He and his girlfriend recently bought a starter house and are enjoying living together with their dog.

*Celebrating Julian’s birthday and his new home purchase*

Our youngest son, Ara, graduated from high school in June and turned 18 in August. He’s currently enrolled in our local community college and studying business.

Rosa and I got to take some small trips throughout the year. We visited Nashville, New York, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Solvang, San Francisco and Las Vegas. We had a trip to Cabo San Lucas that unfortunately got canceled due to a hurricane.

We were also honored to be the godparents for our nephew Liam, who turned 1 year old in October. Rosa got to throw him a safari themed birthday party at our house.

Professionally, we were blessed to continue growing our firm and celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Lake Avenue Financial. We were also thrilled to welcome Jess Bost, CFP® to our team. Jess is a wonderful individual and has been a friend for several years. Rosa and I were extremely delighted to have her join the Lake Avenue family. She is also an amazing writer, and I would highly recommend that you subscribe to her newsletter.

*Jess Bost joining the Lake Avenue Financial team*

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

My commitment to you remains unwavering, even amidst global uncertainty and unforeseen challenges. I understand that these are trying times, and want to assure you that I am here for you, steadfast in my support and dedicated to providing the financial assistance you need.

In the forthcoming year, I promise to uphold the core values and principles that have always steered me in the right direction. One of those guiding principles is gratitude.

Gratitude can shift our perspective and highlight the positive aspects of our lives, allowing us to break free from our usual thought patterns and see things in a new way. The feeling of gratitude, even in the simplest of ways, can make a substantial difference in your health and happiness.

How can we incorporate gratitude into our daily lives? What are some simple ways to cultivate thankfulness and enhance our overall well-being? Let's explore some easy and impactful practices to integrate gratitude into our everyday routines that we can take into 2025.

Integrating Gratitude in 2025

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful practice with incredible benefits for your mental wellbeing. Here are a few easy ways to make it a habit:

Keep a Gratitude Journal

How: Dedicate a notebook or use a digital app to jot down things you're grateful for each day. Aim for at least 3-5 things, big or small. It could be a sunny day, a delicious meal, a supportive friend, or simply the fact that you woke up healthy.

Why it works: This helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and trains your brain to notice them more often.

Use Visual Reminders

How: Place sticky notes with gratitude affirmations on your mirror, fridge, or workspace. Use a gratitude-themed screensaver on your phone or computer.

Why it works: These serve as constant, gentle nudges to appreciate the good in your life.

Say "Thank You" More Often

How: Express your appreciation to others verbally, in writing, or through small gestures. Thank the barista for your coffee, send a thank-you note to a friend, or let a family member know you appreciate their support.

Why it works: Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and makes both you and the recipient feel good.

Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

How: When facing difficulties, try to find the lessons or silver linings within them. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" or "How can I grow stronger as a result?"

Why it works: This reframes challenges as opportunities for personal development and cultivates resilience.

Create a Gratitude Ritual

How: Establish a specific time each day dedicated to gratitude. It could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Use this time to reflect on what you're thankful for, meditate, or write in your journal.

Why it works: Creating a ritual adds structure and intentionality to your gratitude practice, making it more likely to stick.

Action Items

Start small: Begin with just one of these practices and gradually incorporate others.
Be consistent: Make gratitude a daily ritual, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Be specific: Instead of just saying "I'm grateful for my family," try "I'm grateful for my sister's sense of humor and the way she always makes me laugh."
Find what works for you: Experiment with different techniques and find the ones that resonate with you most.

Remember, building any new habit takes time and effort. The key is to find what resonates with you and make it your own. The more you integrate gratitude into your daily life, the more natural and fulfilling it will become.

~Alex

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you!

Organize Your Money Course: Are you ready to take control of your financial future, instead of letting it control you? This course will help relieve your financial anxiety and get you back on track.
Book a 1-on-1 Meeting: Whether you’re looking for assistance with your financial planning needs or are in the financial industry and you want to learn how to grow your practice, I can help.
Lake Avenue Financial: If you’re looking to build a relationship with a team who can help simplify, educate, relive the stress caused by money decisions and make sure you are on your way to financial independence, we are here to help!

Be Inspired to take Action

Join over 7,000 readers of the Inspire Action newsletter for tips, uplifting stories and actionable steps to guide you through your financial journey.