“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Søren Kierkegaard
And so here we are! Winter is officially here, and the end of 2022 is actually within sight; it’s hard to believe we’ll have to get used to writing and saying “2023” in the next couple of weeks.
This is a great time to start thinking back over the past year. What stands out about 2022? What are you most grateful for this year? What happened that surprised you – or delighted you? What did you read that you really appreciated? Who did you meet this year and why did they inspire you? What challenges did you accomplish? And what things you thought you’d complete in 2022 DIDN’T get completed?
We all get so caught up in everyday life that we forget, sometimes, to pause and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished. Since this time of year is dark and cold (at least in my neck of the woods) and seems to encourage you to go inside and settle down quietly, I think it’s a great opportunity to do some reflecting.
As I reflect on 2022, here’s what I’ve discovered. First, this year has been challenging – I think we can all agree on that. The markets have been (and continue to be) volatile and the threat of recession has not completely gone away. And yet, I’m grateful for the volatile market and the feeling of instability and uncertainty. Why? Because this year’s markets have challenged me in ways I haven’t been challenged in a very long time. I’m a stronger advisor today than I was a year ago because of this past year in the markets.
I’m also feeling very grateful for my team at the end of a long year. WatersEdge Wealth Management is stronger than it has ever been! We’ve got a team of dedicated and intelligent (and FUN) people working together to solve problems and to ensure our clients receive good advice and are taken care of. We can only improve from here – and watch this space for some new and exciting things happening in the new year!
2022 has been a year of growth and connection. Our team has rejoined the Ellevate Network and has been participating in more networking events this year with Ellevate and with Passion Collective. I’ve met some incredible people this year and I am so grateful to be able to be spending time with people in person again!
Speaking of Ellevate, I’ve published my first piece of writing for them, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for taking this leap into what the pros call “thought leadership.” After 20+ years of experience as a financial advisor, I’m finally starting to put some of my ideas and thoughts down on paper; it feels incredible to finally share some of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years with a larger audience.
2022 has also been a year of surprises. Not only was WatersEdge recognized for the fourth year in a row as a 2023 Five Star Award Winning Wealth Management Firm, I was also honored to receive the Top Women in Finance Award from Finance and Commerce. I don’t often think about things like “honors” or “awards” since I’m busy doing the work I love every day. But when this kind of honor DOES happen – well, it feels really good to be recognized for the work I do with my clients!
And, last but certainly not least, I am so grateful to my clients in 2022 for their continued trust and support. WatersEdge works with incredible clients and in spite of this year’s challenges, we’ve welcomed even more new clients into the fold this year! I feel so blessed and grateful to acknowledge that people really do trust and value the work we do here at WatersEdge; this challenging year has proven that to me.
As YOU spend some time reflecting on what 2022 has brought to you, I hope you’ll find yourself surprised and pleased by what you remember. Sometimes it is the small changes, accomplishments and learning that bring us the most. So, when you are reflecting don’t forget the seemingly insignificant.
May 2023 delight you in ways you hadn’t expected and bring you more peace.
Happy New Year to you and yours!