Well, it’s the day before Thanksgiving… My favorite holiday. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately… In these letters, I haven’t mentioned once what’s going on in the world… I’m talking about the coronavirus pandemic. It’s intentional. At this point, I think everybody’s so tired of hearing all the negativity. You turn on the TV… coronavirus. You go to the store… coronavirus. You talk to someone on the phone… coronavirus. Being warned not to get too close to people; confining ourselves at home; and counting the increasing numbers of those who’ve lost their lives to this disease (and many others). And now, many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving differently… without our families. Although I can’t say I’m surprised, it doesn’t make it any less disappointing. I figure the last thing anyone wants is to hear about it in this space, too. And I know I’m talking about it now. But there’s a reason…
So Much 2020 has been a year full of loss for many of us. Loss of income; loss of home; loss of togetherness; loss of kindness; and certainly not least, loss of loved ones. And I know there’s more loss I haven’t mentioned. A constant prayer of mine is that there’s comfort for those who’ve experienced any kind of loss. And that we’ll see the good that’s supposed to come from the trials. But it would be a mistake for me not to see that 2020 has also been a good year to me in many ways. I’ve come to realize I have so much to be thankful for… I have the air in my lungs, food, clothing, shelter, friends, and family. How many people do we drive past every day who can’t even say they know where their next meal will come from or where they will sleep? So, despite what feels like negativity twofold this year, I am thankful.
Whom I’m Thankful For
I already mentioned some things I’m thankful for: food, clothing, a home and a place to lay my head. But what I’m thankful for isn’t all. It’s whom I’m thankful for, too… I’m thankful for great colleagues, who are kind, helpful, and all about teamwork. And I’m thankful for a mentor to teach me about business. Thank you, George. I’m thankful for the people I’ve unexpectedly met this year. I’ve probably come to know and genuinely connect with more people this year than I have in my whole life. JoAnne, Marlene, and Janet, to name a few. I’m thankful for the women I’ve learned so much from by simply sharing life with each other: Barbara, Gwen, Renita, Karen, Millie, Carol, Heddie, Judith, Jean, Robin, Denise, Karey, Narda, Mary, Jacquie… I’m thankful for old and new friendships. To name a couple, I’m thankful for my best friend, Nate. And I’m thankful for my friend since college, Dina. I’m thankful to God and His Son for giving me salvation. I’m thankful for the people I get to call family by blood. To name a few, my aunt Carol, who’s been my second mom my entire life… My cousin Leisha, who’s like a sister. She’s the brains behind the name Centsible Finance, by the way (and so much more)… And my parents, Raymond and Melody, who’ve provided more for me than I could’ve asked for. And statements like “save, don’t spend,” “money should not be an option,” “every mickle makes a muckle,” “do not spend what you do not have” didn’t come from me. They came from them. There are so many people in my life I’m thankful for, and there are so many things (tangible and intangible), that I’m thankful for. I could go on and on…
It’s an Everyday Thing You’re reading these letters because you want to know more about how to win with the money you make, no matter how much or how little. But nothing I just said has to do with money. No amount of saving and investing I do for myself and no amount of sharing tips with you will bring fulfillment in life, if we don’t stop and take a look around at the intangible blessings we’ve received throughout our lives. Remember that. So, whatever your Thanksgiving will look like, take a look around… What’s happening in this world is too much to think about on the regular. And my heart goes out to everyone who’s hurting. But there’s still so much we can be thankful for. And I want to make it a point to show gratitude every day. Because no matter how hard things get, I know there’s at least one thing I can find to be thankful for every day… I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Melody C. Kerr, MS
Certified Financial Coach
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