Category Archives: consulting

Should Long Term Care be Part of your Long Term Strategy?

Posted on by
Reply

Long-term care coverage is essential for many individuals to safeguard their financial well-being and ensure they receive the necessary care in the event of a chronic illness or disability. As a licensed life and health professional I figured it would be nice to view a list of some compelling reasons why you might need long-term care coverage:

  1. Protection against rising healthcare costs: Long-term care can be expensive, and the costs tend to increase over time. Without insurance, you may have to deplete your savings, investments, or other assets to cover these expenses, which can jeopardize your financial security.
  2. Preservation of assets and inheritance: Long-term care coverage helps protect your assets and estate, allowing you to leave a legacy for your loved ones. Without it, the cost of care could deplete your savings, leaving little or nothing to pass on to your heirs.
  3. Maintaining independence and choice: With long-term care insurance, you have more options and control over the type of care you receive. You can choose where and how you receive care, whether that’s in your own home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. This enables you to maintain a higher level of independence and quality of life.
  4. Reducing the burden on family members: Long-term care insurance can relieve your family of the financial and caregiving responsibilities that come with taking care of a loved one with chronic health issues. This can help preserve family relationships and reduce the stress associated with caregiving.
  5. Peace of mind and future planning: Knowing that you have long-term care coverage can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life and retirement planning. It ensures that you have a plan in place for potential health challenges in the future.
  6. Early access to quality care: Long-term care insurance can provide access to high-quality care services when needed, without waiting for government programs to kick in. This can be especially important if you have specific care preferences or want to avoid the limitations of publicly funded programs.
  7. Tax benefits: Depending on your jurisdiction and the specific policy, you may be eligible for tax advantages when you purchase long-term care insurance. These tax benefits can make the coverage more affordable.
  8. Longevity and health considerations: As people are living longer, the likelihood of needing long-term care at some point in their lives increases. Having coverage in place ensures you’re prepared for potential health challenges in your later years.
  9. Avoiding a Medicaid spend-down: If you exhaust your assets and qualify for Medicaid, you may have limited choices regarding the type and location of care you receive. Long-term care insurance can help you avoid this situation and maintain more control over your care.
  10. Planning for the unexpected: Illnesses and accidents can happen at any age. Long-term care insurance provides financial protection and allows you to plan for the unexpected, ensuring you’re prepared for unforeseen health issues.

Like many things that go into planning for your future retirement, long-term care coverage is a valuable tool for protecting your financial well-being, preserving assets, maintaining independence, and ensuring that you receive the care you need in the event of a chronic illness or disability. It offers peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones as you age. In my opinion, if you haven’t considered long term care as part of your overall financial well being, maybe now is the time you gave it some thought? Of course, I would love to know if you have it, considered it, or are considering purchasing a long term care policy? If so or if not, drop me a line or schedule a call if I can help you; otherwise, and until next time keep smiling cause it really does lock good on you!

What is Final Expense Insurance?

Posted on by
Reply

Final expense insurance, also known as burial insurance or funeral insurance, serves as a crucial financial safety net for individuals and their families in their time of need. There are several compelling reasons why you might consider the necessity of final expense insurance. First and foremost, it provides peace of mind. None of us can predict the exact moment when we will pass away, and funerals can be unexpectedly expensive. By having final expense insurance, you ensure that your loved ones won’t bear the financial burden of your funeral and burial expenses during an already emotionally challenging time. This coverage can relieve your family from making difficult decisions about how to cover these costs and allow them to focus on honoring your memory and coping with their loss.

Furthermore, final expense insurance can be particularly beneficial for individuals who lack substantial savings or life insurance coverage. It’s designed to be accessible and affordable, making it an attractive option for those on a fixed income or limited budget. Without this coverage, your family might have to deplete their savings or even resort to taking out loans to cover the expenses associated with your passing. Final expense insurance ensures that your loved ones won’t have to compromise their financial stability during a difficult period, giving them the support they need to grieve without added financial stress.

Lastly, final expense insurance offers flexibility and customization. You can choose the coverage amount that aligns with your anticipated funeral and burial costs, ensuring that you have control over the financial protection you provide for your family. Additionally, many policies don’t require a medical exam, making it an accessible option for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who may not qualify for traditional life insurance.

Final expense insurance is a valuable financial tool that safeguards your family from the financial implications of your passing, allowing them to focus on remembering and celebrating your life instead of worrying about the associated expenses. If you haven’t considered final expense insurance as part of your longterm financial plan maybe now is the time you did. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out and/or drop me a line. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions. Until next time stay safe and remember to tell the ones you love how much they mean to you today and always because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Life Insurance Awareness Month- Why You May Need It?

Posted on by
Reply

Life insurance is a crucial financial tool that provides invaluable protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Firstly, one of the primary reasons to consider life insurance is to ensure the financial security of your family and dependents in case of your untimely demise. When you have life insurance coverage, your beneficiaries receive a tax-free payout, often referred to as the death benefit, which can help cover essential expenses like mortgage payments, education costs, daily living expenses, and outstanding debts. This financial support ensures that your loved ones can maintain their quality of life and avoid financial hardship during an already emotionally challenging time.

Secondly, life insurance can play a pivotal role in estate planning and wealth preservation. If you have significant assets, such as a home, investments, or a business, life insurance can help cover estate taxes and other associated costs. By doing so, it ensures that your heirs receive the full value of your estate without being burdened by hefty tax liabilities. This strategy can safeguard your legacy and ensure that your hard-earned assets benefit the people and causes you care about most.

Lastly, life insurance can serve as a powerful tool for long-term financial planning and achieving various financial goals. Some policies, like whole life or universal life insurance, offer cash value accumulation over time, which can be borrowed against or withdrawn for various purposes, such as funding your retirement, paying for your child’s education, or handling unexpected financial emergencies. By including life insurance in your financial portfolio, you not only protect your family’s future but also create opportunities for building wealth and achieving your financial aspirations.

In summary, life insurance is a critical component of a comprehensive financial plan. It safeguards your family’s financial well-being, aids in estate planning, and offers opportunities for long-term financial growth. Whether you’re a young professional starting a family or a seasoned investor looking to preserve your wealth, life insurance is a prudent investment that provides security and financial flexibility when it matters most. Of course, there are other reasons you should consider when purchasing a life insurance policy and if you have any I would love to hear them. Drop me a comment or send me a note and I would love to share your thoughts and if not, just remember to keep smiling cause it really does look good on you no matter what you do!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Why you Should and Shouldn’t Invest in an Annuity

Posted on by
Reply

Investing in an annuity can be a suitable financial strategy for some individuals, but it’s essential to carefully consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances before making such an investment decision. I recently purchased an annuity and gave some thought to why I should and why I shouldn’t have? If you’re considered investing in an annuity here are some reasons why you still might:

  1. Guaranteed Income: Annuities can provide a steady stream of income, which can be particularly valuable in retirement. Fixed annuities offer guaranteed payments for a specified period or for life, providing financial security.
  2. Tax-Deferred Growth: Many annuities offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you don’t pay taxes on your earnings until you withdraw them. This can be advantageous for individuals in higher tax brackets, as it allows your money to grow more quickly.
  3. Diversification: Annuities can be part of a diversified investment portfolio. They can provide a stable, low-risk component alongside riskier assets like stocks or real estate.
  4. Lifetime Income: If you choose a life annuity, you’ll receive payments for as long as you live, which can help protect against the risk of outliving your savings.
  5. Principal Protection: Some annuities, like fixed or indexed annuities, provide a degree of principal protection, ensuring that your initial investment is safe from market fluctuations.
  6. Legacy Planning: Annuities can also include options to leave a legacy for your heirs. While the primary purpose is income, you can set up certain annuities to provide a death benefit or pass on the remaining balance to beneficiaries.
  7. Predictable Returns: Fixed annuities offer predictable, guaranteed returns, which can be appealing if you’re risk-averse and prefer steady, known income.

However, it’s also crucial to consider the potential drawbacks and risks associated with annuities as well. Here are a few reasons you may not want to invest in an annuity:

  1. Lack of Liquidity: Many annuities have limited or no liquidity, meaning you may not access your money without penalties or surrender charges for a specified period.
  2. Fees and Expenses: Annuities often come with fees, including sales commissions and management fees, which can eat into your returns.
  3. Complexity: Some annuities, particularly variable and indexed annuities, can be complex and challenging to understand fully.
  4. Inflation Risk: Fixed annuities may not keep up with inflation, potentially eroding your purchasing power over time.
  5. Loss of Control: When you invest in an annuity, you’re relinquishing control over a portion of your assets, which may not be suitable for individuals who want flexibility and access to their money.
  6. Insurance Company Solvency Risk: Annuity payments are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company. While many are highly rated and stable, there is still a degree of risk associated with the insurance company’s financial health.

Before investing in an annuity, it’s essential to thoroughly research and understand the specific type of annuity you’re considering, the terms and conditions, fees, and the impact on your overall financial plan. Additionally, it’s wise to consult with a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual financial goals and circumstances. As with any of my posts, I would love to hear if you have invested in an annuity, how it’s going, or why you have decided not to invest in an annuity? Drop me a line or give me a call and until next time keep smiling cause it really does look good on you.

Things to Consider About Retirement Planning

Posted on by
Reply

It’s hard to believe that when I started this blog, I was a single dad not thinking much about my future or potential retirement. Granted I am still a ways off from retirement but as my kid enters his senior year the thought continues to cross my mind especially, as I start a new position within this same industry. Do find yourself asking if you are ready for retirement? Do you have the right plan in place? Will you be able to continue to live the lifestyle that your currently living? Have you done enough to get across the finish line? If you are like me the answer maybe somewhere in the middle between yes and no.

Just like everything in life these days retirement planning is a crucial aspect of ensuring financial security and a comfortable lifestyle during your retirement years. Here are some important things I’ve considered when it comes to my retirement planning and perhaps you should also give them some thought:

  1. Start Early: The earlier you start saving and investing for retirement, the better. Compound interest works in your favor, allowing your investments to grow over time. Starting late might require larger contributions to catch up.
  2. Set Clear Goals: Define your retirement goals and lifestyle expectations. Consider factors like where you want to live, travel plans, healthcare needs, and any hobbies or activities you want to pursue. Having a clear vision will help you determine how much money you’ll need.
  3. Calculate Retirement Income Needs: Estimate how much income you’ll need in retirement. Factor in living expenses, healthcare costs, inflation, and potential unexpected expenses. A common rule of thumb is aiming to replace 70-85% of your pre-retirement income.
  4. Consider Retirement Accounts: Take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth IRAs. These accounts offer tax benefits and can help your money grow more efficiently over time.
  5. Diversify Investments: Spread your investments across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) to reduce risk. Diversification can help protect your portfolio from market fluctuations.
  6. Regularly Review and Adjust: Your financial situation and goals may change over time. Regularly review your retirement plan to ensure it aligns with your evolving circumstances. Adjust your contributions and investment strategy as needed.
  7. Manage Debt: Aim to enter retirement with minimal debt, especially high-interest debt. Paying off debts before retirement can significantly reduce your financial burden during this phase.
  8. Plan for Healthcare Costs: Healthcare expenses tend to rise as you age. Consider purchasing long-term care insurance or factoring in potential medical costs when planning your retirement savings.
  9. Social Security Strategy: Understand how Social Security works and determine the optimal time to start receiving benefits. Delaying benefits can result in larger monthly payments, but you might need to weigh this against your overall financial situation.
  10. Prepare for Inflation: Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Ensure your retirement plan accounts for inflation to maintain your desired lifestyle.
  11. Create an Estate Plan: Develop an estate plan that includes a will, healthcare directives, and power of attorney. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that you have someone to make decisions if you’re unable to.
  12. Seek Professional Advice: Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and goals. They can help you create a retirement plan tailored to your needs.
  13. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about changes in tax laws, retirement regulations, and investment trends. Staying informed allows you to make educated decisions that align with your retirement objectives.

Remember that retirement planning is a dynamic process. It’s essential to regularly reassess your plan and make adjustments as needed to ensure you’re on track to achieve your retirement goals. The most important thing is that you start. Like I mentioned, I’ve started a new position helping others plan and reconsider what they are doing for retirement, hence why this subject came to be. I hope you also take the time to evaluate what you are doing to prepare for the future and if not maybe you should start. If I can be of any help or if you have any additional advice, please feel free to reach out or share, as we all continue to help one another. Until next time and as usual keep smiling cause it really does look good on you.

My Son is Turning 18? Now What?

Posted on by
Reply

Boy how time flies when your having fun. I started blogging about family values quite some time ago, as my son and I embarked on a journey together. From single dad, to married dad, to a happy dad it has certainly been a ride. As I sit here and wonder what lies ahead for my son, I can’t help but think about all the responsibilities that he has ahead. Without question, here are a few things I’ve thought about and if you have a child the following could also be key pieces of advice you could share with them as he/she turns 18 and enters adulthood:

  1. Take Responsibility: Encourage him/her to take responsibility for their actions and decisions. Adulthood comes with accountability, so they should own up to his mistakes and learn from them.
  2. Set Goals: Help your child set both short-term and long-term goals. Having clear objectives will give them direction and motivation to work towards their aspirations.
  3. Financial Literacy: Teach them about budgeting, saving, and managing finances. Understanding the basics of money management will serve them well throughout their life.
  4. Continue Learning: Emphasize the importance of continuous learning. Whether it’s through formal education, self-study, or practical experiences, growth comes from a willingness to learn.
  5. Health and Well-being: Encourage a healthy lifestyle (my son actually passed this on to me). Things like regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and attending to mental health through relaxation and stress management techniques.
  6. Build a Support Network: Help them understand the value of building strong relationships with friends, family, and mentors. A support network is crucial for emotional well-being and personal development.
  7. Independence: Foster a sense of independence. Encourage them to learn practical life skills such as cooking, laundry, basic home repairs, and managing personal documents.
  8. Communication Skills: Teach effective communication skills. Being able to express thoughts, ideas, and concerns clearly and respectfully is essential in both personal and professional settings.
  9. Time Management: Share strategies for time management. Balancing commitments, work, and personal time requires effective organization and prioritization.
  10. Ethical Values: Reinforce the importance of integrity, honesty, and treating others with respect. These values will guide them in making ethical decisions throughout their life.
  11. Explore Interests: Encourage them to explore their interests and passions. This is the time to discover hobbies, talents, and potential career paths.
  12. Resilience: Life will present challenges. Teach them to be resilient in the face of adversity, to bounce back from setbacks, and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
  13. Decision-Making: Discuss the process of making informed decisions. Weighing pros and cons, considering consequences, and seeking advice when needed are important skills.
  14. Networking: Introduce the concept of networking. Building professional connections can open doors to opportunities in various fields.
  15. Giving Back: Instill the value of giving back to the community or volunteering. Contributing to society can be incredibly rewarding and provide a sense of purpose.
  16. Travel and Exploration: If possible, encourage them to travel and explore new places and cultures. Experiencing the world firsthand can broaden his horizons and perspective.
  17. Adaptability: The world is ever-changing. Teach them to adapt to new situations, technologies, and environments.
  18. Enjoy the Journey: Remind them that life is a journey. Encourage them to embrace the present moment, savor experiences, and find joy in the process of becoming the person they aspire to be.

Remember that your guidance and support will be invaluable as your child navigates this exciting new phase of life. Of course this isn’t a complete list and surely if you have other items to add I would love to hear them? I introduced my kid to this blog several weeks ago and I hope he takes the time to read what I have written; otherwise, and as usual keep smiling cause it really does look good on you >:-)

Snapped During Senior Photo Shoot

Emerging Trends and Innovations in Healthcare: A Glimpse into the Future

Posted on by
Reply

Like many industries, the field of healthcare is ever-evolving, with advancements in medical technology, research breakthroughs, and innovative approaches to patient care that are helping shape its landscape. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, healthcare continues to adapt and transform to meet the challenges and demands of today’s society. In this post I thought I would review some of the latest news and trends in healthcare that are shaping the industry and promising a brighter future for patient care and well-being.

1. Telehealth Revolutionizing Patient-Doctor Interaction?

Telehealth, the delivery of healthcare services through digital communication channels, has witnessed a significant surge in adoption over the past few years. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of remote healthcare delivery. As virtual consultations become more commonplace, patients have gained easier access to medical expertise, regardless of geographical barriers. With the integration of artificial intelligence (#AI) for diagnostics and remote monitoring, telehealth is poised to become an essential component of modern healthcare.

2. Genomic Medicine and Personalized Treatments

The rapid advancement of genomic research has opened up new avenues for personalized medicine. Genetic profiling allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup, leading to more effective and targeted therapies. This approach is particularly promising in the fields of oncology and rare diseases, where individual variations play a crucial role in treatment outcomes. As costs associated with genomic sequencing decrease, the integration of genomics into routine healthcare is becoming more feasible.

3. AI and Machine Learning in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare, from diagnosis to drug discovery. Machine learning algorithms can analyze large datasets to identify patterns that may not be apparent to human researchers. This has led to the development of AI-powered diagnostic tools that can detect diseases like cancer from medical images with high accuracy. Moreover, AI is being employed in drug discovery to identify potential drug candidates and predict their interactions with biological systems, significantly expediting the drug development process.

4. Virtual Reality (VR) for Pain Management and Rehabilitation

Virtual reality is finding its place in healthcare as a tool for pain management and physical rehabilitation. By immersing patients in virtual environments, healthcare providers can distract them from pain during medical procedures or aid in their recovery by engaging them in therapeutic activities. VR has shown promising results in reducing pain perception and improving patient outcomes in various scenarios, including burn wound care and physical therapy for stroke survivors.

5. Blockchain for Enhanced Data Security and Interoperability

Blockchain technology is making inroads into healthcare by addressing the challenges of data security and interoperability. With its decentralized and tamper-proof nature, blockchain ensures that patient data remains secure and private while allowing authorized parties to access relevant information seamlessly. Additionally, it enables efficient data sharing among healthcare providers, leading to improved care coordination and patient outcomes.

6. Mental Health and Digital Therapeutics

The recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being has spurred the development of digital therapeutics. These smartphone apps and online platforms offer evidence-based interventions for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Digital therapeutics often incorporate cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices to provide accessible and scalable mental health support to a broader population.

In the end…

The healthcare industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological advancements, research breakthroughs, and shifting patient needs. From telehealth revolutionizing remote patient care to AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine, these trends are collectively reshaping how healthcare is delivered and experienced. As these innovations continue to evolve, they hold the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately create a healthier and more resilient global population. Of course, and with any of my posts these are my opinions but I would love to hear what you think is helping shape the future of the healthcare industry or any other industries that you are part of. Drop me a line, let’s connect and share in the continued revolution of online communications. Until next time, keep smiling cause it really does look good on you!

About the Author:

David Dandaneau is a insurance agent that covers the insurance and financial services industry. He is known for his insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of market trends and regulatory developments.

Happier: Is there Happiness as a Care-Giver?

Posted on by
Reply

Is anyone really happy? What is happiness anyway? I’ve touched on this before in previous posts but let’s dive deeper into this thing they call happiness but from a care givers point of view! So many of us wonder through life looking for some reason to be happy but is happiness really just waking up and being happy, being thankful for those we have in life, that first cup of coffee, piece of toast, or that fruit?

keepcalmhappy

Let me be the first to tell you that true happiness is those things and so much more. Happiness is something that we have control over. Happiness is in fact, what we decide to be happy over. Recently, I became a care-giver of my father in his final weeks fighting stage 4 lung cancer. This made me very happy, as it was rewarding to be with dad during these troubling times, yet it was also very stressful seeing the decline in such a good man making me unhappy.

Care-giving while remaining optimistic and happy was a new concept to us in our newly formed family life but is something millions of people around the world do everyday and very challenging to say the least. Being cared for or cared by is a team effort no matter what side of the fence you are on and if everyone can remain happy during these times the easier it can be. However, how can anyone remain happy having to manage doctor visits, medications, hospice personal, and the mental/physical health of a loved one? On the flip side and as I have yet to find out… what toll did all this short-term happiness that I had during this time will/is playing on my overall real state of happiness both mentally and physically. I guess only time will tell huh?

Going at anything in life alone can be very challenging, scary, and filled with unknowns but trying to remain happy during these times is very important. Here are some things I found helped and are helping right up to this post.

Rule #1

Don’t do it alone. One thing I noticed over the last few years in fighting this cancer is that there is a lot of help out there for you whether it comes from the doctors, hospice crew, co-workers, or other family and friends. If you don’t ask or take any help think about how this will affect your overall happiness. Also think about how this will affect your health, finances, and spirit? Chances are you will see them all decline eventually and you will end up broke, depressed, and unhappy that you didn’t do enough. Yes? No?

Rule #2

Make it worth every minute. in my dads final weeks/month we were very blessed to have worked with amazing doctors (although dad was convinced they were only after his money), family, and an amazing hospice staff throughout the greater Tampa area. Over this time, I felt a great sense of happiness and continually told myself (even if I was NOT getting paid) that this time spent with him was worth every minute and every dollar of energy we all put into his full-time care. Even though my health and finances continued to decline throughout this time, I tried my best to remain happy and make every minute count. I think dad appreciated it although I still think sometimes he could see the stress mounting.

Rule #3

Tell those your with how much you love them. All to often in life, I think a lot of us get caught up in the moment regardless of what it is. Care-giving is no different. Care-giving requires all your time, energy, and effort, so how can you remain happy and tell all those others in your life that you love them? I by no means have excelled or am excelling in this category but did/do my best each day to tell others how much I love/loved them. Heck, I was even telling the hospice crew I loved them at the end. Now that both my parents have passed I will continue to work on this and hopefully when it’s my time those I touched throughout my life will tell me those exact words… I love you in the end!

 

decidehappy

I know that I could create an endless list of how to remain happy as a care-giver but I’ll save those for another day. The fact(s) is that most of us choose to be unhappy and more people should choose to be happy, especially if you are or will become a care-giver. Life as a care-giver can be filled with spreadsheets, charts, sleepless nights, etc. but if you somehow can remain happy, I think that is what will carry you to a long end life, while not pissing off all those that you are so close to. And as Mother Teresa said “spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come without leaving happier.” Thoughts?

In memory of my AWESOME LOVING DAD!!!

32f526f7-a1df-4cc8-8f72-a79ac9a623d5

0b01c2e1-41f0-4301-a407-6e9d96c3ccbe

 

CHANGE is the One Thing We Can ALWAYS Count On

Posted on by
1

ChangesEven though there are a million and one ways to describe a happy family there is not a universal way to describe the change(s) you and/or your family will go through. In fact, the one thing that is constant in our lives and that we all can be sure of is that… things will change. Yes, this may mean things will change for the better or they might change for the worse, as more and more people struggle to balance life, work, and the needs of their family and/or lives.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) English Naturalist

Ever since I was a young boy, I have never been afraid of change. Whether it was going to school, meeting new people, or going to new places I have embraced the changing landscape of my life, which is true to this very moment. However, it wasn’t until yesterday (my niece inspired me to think about this in her Facebook post) that I truly realized that change in my life is the one thing I count on and really look forward to the most. Even though my changing life has had both positive and negative aspects to it, for the most part it has been the negative aspects that have inspired me the most to embrace change further. Yes, I did say negative, since if I never had a negative experience I would have never moved from Michigan to Florida, gotten married/divorced, earned my Bachelor, Masters, or Doctorate, or even became a “Single Dad!”

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) Thirty-fifth President of the USA

Why then if “change is the law of life,” are so many people often frightened of change? Why don’t more people embrace changes in things such as technology, their lives, careers, or their family structure? Instead of thinking of change as a negative why, don’t we start to use the negative aspects of change as positive motivations for additional change? If you are anything like me you shouldn’t be afraid of change or failing (trust me it as it seems I have failed more than anyone I know) nor should you value other people’s opinions of change more than your own opinion of change. Don’t look at your disappointments in life as negative aspects of change but rather positive motivations for your long-term success(es).

To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British politician.

Whether you are single, a cohesive family unit, or even a single parent if you want to be happier why don’t you give change a chance when it comes to advancing yourself, career, or raising healthy/happy children? As a single dad myself, I now realize this more than ever, as change has been the one thing constant enough in my life to help me build additional self-confidence, relationships, and my career even though these things may not had been the things I had always dreamed of. In order to further inspire myself and perhaps you through additional change here are a few things I do/have done over my life to embrace change.

1. Realize that your career and life will consistently change- The economy, people, and your career will change. Instead of feeling sorry about the situation, embrace it and adjust yourself to these changes.
2. Relieve your past experiences- Whether you are looking at positive or negative changes try to mold your future around them. Considering both positive and negative changes in your life will help you avoid these same changes later in life (perhaps this is more easily said then done?)
3. Take note of both positive and negative changes- Perhaps the best thing to do with anything or in this case, change in life is to write them down (i.e. positives and negatives). This should be as easy as starting or maintaining a journal or better yet with the advent of social media use Twitter, Facebook, or anyone of the other social sites to track your changes in your career or family. Remember documenting something in better than nothing in this aspect.

change-egnahc

Everyone whether you are young or old in a relationship or going it alone deserves to live a strong, happy, healthy, and successful life. If you identify both negative and positive changes in your past, perhaps you can do more to shape your future, while molding these changes into motivation that will help you change yourself or others you touch additionally. Remember if you have children to share with them not only the positive changes in your life but also the negative changes, as this also gives are beloved little ones the ammunition they will also need to embrace both the positive and negative changes in their own futures. As with any/all articles I write I would love your thoughts and/or your sharing/connecting further of this article on any of my/your social sites. Thanks again for stopping by and as usual until next time… KEEP SMILING ≧✯◡✯≦✌

Stop Trying to be so MAGICAL & Just Relax

Posted on by
1

magic-kidJust stop it already! That is what I keep saying to myself anyway. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article on saying no more often to our children and it is something that I am continuing to make ends with in regards to raising a kid that is not spoiled beyond belief. Within this timeframe, I have also been asking myself why it is and more importantly, why it is I continue to catch myself saying yes, and trying to make my kids life so magical.

While I spend most of my time as a contractor for FedEx now a days, in the past I have been (still involved but not nearly as much) a blogger, consultant, teacher, and mentor that helped(s) to inspire others, their businesses, families, and children. Through these interactions and the continued evolution in my own life, I have had a front row seat to some good and bad behaviors others are and/or have exhibited in their own personal and business lives. These behaviors regardless of whether they are good and bad have allowed my own personal and business life to evolve. More importantly, I am continually learning that in business and life we do not need to hold some sort of magical halo over others and especially our children (i.e. trying to create some sort of MAGICAL world), as this usually doesn’t allow others (especially children) the opportunity to thrive or gain independence just like saying yes so often. Does that make since?

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.” ― J.K. Rowling

As my time passes at becoming a better parent, my own parenting model also continues to take shape. What I mean most by that is what I (we) need to do more of is focus on the little things in our lives and not on all those magical moments others would lead you to believe are so important. I remember growing up in a world that was less connected online and more connected in real life. Not that it’s bad to be connected through social media but let us not use this as a median to compare ourselves with others all while trying to outduel each other. Additionally and as great as sites such as Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc are we should not let these and other social sites dictate to our young ones that there is some magic in doing things in excess to create some sort of magical childhood. Instead (this is especially important in a business acumen) let us get back to basics. Let us all do a better job at stretching our own child(ren’s) imaginations alongside ourselves by laying on the couch, taking a walk, or just sitting next to your little one(s) while you share a giggle or two. This my friends would be getting back to basics in a business since, while helping to create a more magically childhood for our children, not to mention relieving the stress of trying to keep up with the so called Benjamin’s (i.e. others on your friends list that consistently are trying to outduel everyone else on their friends list).

“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

magical-childhood

Long story short and what I am trying to say here is whether you are going it alone or in a relationship with another person while trying to raise a little one or ones remember that us parents can easily make our child’s growing up magical by being simple. We do not have to take continuous vacations, throw extravagant parties, or take our kids places often. However, what we all should do a better job at is focusing on creating a magical childhood for a kids by simply being there for them, talking to them when times are tough, and simply hanging out. There are an excessive amount of parents out there that don’t even make an attempt to spend time with their children, even call them, or provide any type of support (financial or mental). Do not be one of those parents and simply take the time today, tomorrow, or the next day to spend a few minutes enjoying your child or children because time goes by way to fast for us not to. Don’t be like some of those other parents out there that overdue everything, simply do something, just a little something to create a real magical childhood for your child(ren). Until next time my friends have fun, creating real magical moments not made up ones. Oh ya and don’t forget to KEEP SMILING (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)