I hope this message finds you well. I want to talk to you about something. I recently lost a good friend and it threw me for a loop. It really put me into a place of introspection and focus. I’ve been reflecting on the profound importance of conversations—those meaningful dialogues that delve into our shared realities, aspirations, and the essence of what truly matters. Many of these conversations we hide from. I know I’ve been guilty of ignoring things and I recognize it’s not healthy. I write to you today with a sense of urgency, driven by recent personal experiences and the undeniable truth that time waits for no one.
In the wake of the recent loss of my friend and as I approach the milestone of turning 50, the fragility of life has become REALLY REAL. It compels me to reach out to you not as an acquaintance, but as a cherished friend would, inviting you to join me in facing life’s realities with openness and care.
Let’s begin with the most delicate of topics: What if today were your last? I know it’s a tough topic, please stay with me and take a moment think about it. Have you pondered the impact on your loved ones? Is your family financially prepared for your loss? Can they celebrate your life without being distracted by financial burdens? It’s a difficult question, but one that holds the power to unravel the threads of our deepest fears and prompt some important conversations. The passing of my friend underscored the significance of having our affairs in order, emphasizing that “LIFE be LIFING,” ... unexpectedly and the question remains: Are we prepared for the unpredictability of life? Here today, gone the next!
What about the converse? You live the next 30, 40, 50 years? Are you financially prepared to thrive in your later years. Picture your retirement—have you dared to envision it? It’s more than just financial security; it’s about shaping the lifestyle you desire as you gracefully age. I understand these discussions can be downright scary to have, but the unknown won’t disappear if we choose to ignore it. Instead, it can lead to anxiety and sometimes feel paralyzing. Let’s confront it together, engaging in conversations, exchanging ideas, and collectively working towards securing our futures.
Have you delved into estate planning or discussed the wishes and desires of aging parents? Are you the one on the hook to take care of your parents as they age? Do you know if they have life insurance? Do you know where their policies are? Are you prepared for your children’s educational journey? These inquiries may stir discomfort, but I believe having these conversations is an act of love—for ourselves and for those we hold dear. There are so many questions that come up as we live this life, and we must face them and find solutions and answers.
Remember, these are conversations we need to have because we care for one another. This is not a judgement zone, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow and be better together.
Our futures demand active participation, and your success in navigating them hinges on the courage to engage in these crucial conversations. It’s not always the life we chose, but the life we are living and must face. Sometimes we inherit our loved ones issues that we have to address along with our own. So, my dear friend, what’s next? What steps are you taking to organize your affairs, so you can live this life by design and not by default?
This is going to be an ongoing conversation and you are encouraged to reach out so we can further the conversation together and learn and grow from one another.
Sometimes we simply haven’t addressed these conversations because we don’t know where to start. Well, reach out and let’s start...
Can we Talk?