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Make It Count

An article that entirely changed the way I think about time and the relationships in my life, and how it might also help you reflect on yours.

“No matter what your age, you may, without realizing it, be enjoying the very last chapter of the relationships that matter most to you.”

Every year around this time, I find myself thinking of a powerful post by Tim Urban of Wait But Why about relationships in life.

Since the holidays often provide us the opportunity to spend quality time with the ones we love, I figure now is as good a time as ever to pass it along. I hope it helps you take some time to reflect in the same way it has for me.

the-tail-end-tim-urban-cover

The Tail End

Talk about a wake-up call.

While it’s funny to think about your remaining life in terms of Super Bowls or dumplings, the last graphic outlining remaining time and relationships was a punch in the gut for me. I've always heard our brains process images more effectively than words, and this is a powerful example of that being true.

My goal in sharing this isn’t to bum anyone out. It’s to encourage you to be intentional about the chance you have. If you’re one of the lucky ones like me, you still have the opportunity to spend quality time with the most important people in your life. To savor being in their company, and create meaningful new memories together.

koeppel-family-friends-hamburg-brewing

Our closest family and friends together, the day after our wedding. Naturally, we went on a"brewery crawl"to keep the fun rolling!

As I head into our family's holiday gatherings and soon the New Year, I'm going to make a conscious effort to be more present in each interaction. To put my damn phone down and really engage. Maybe you'll read this and be inspired to do the same. Life is too short not to make it count.

Brett A. Koeppel, CFP®

Brett is a fee-only fiduciary financial planner and the founder of Eudaimonia Wealth in Buffalo, New York. He works with Western New York families at or near retirement on tax-efficient income, Roth conversions, and Social Security timing.

Eudaimonia Wealth, LLC is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Nothing on this site is investment, tax, or legal advice, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Articles reflect conditions and tax law at the time of writing and may not reflect current rules.

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