Finding Financial Happiness: Lessons from Everly’s First Birthday and Your Future Self
Near the end of the year, we celebrated our sweet baby Everly’s first birthday. The house buzzed with joy. Family and friends gathered to mark a year filled with firsts: her first smile, her first steps, her first word. Everly sat in her highchair, wide-eyed and delighted, as we placed a beautiful strawberry designed cake with a single candle in front of her. She reached out with curious little hands, smearing frosting everywhere, completely unaware of the love and future dreams surrounding her.
Watching her innocent joy, I felt the swift passage of time. It was an emotional reminder that moments like this are fleeting. A year has passed in the blink of an eye, and as we looked into her beautiful bright blue eyes, I couldn’t help but marvel at how fast time flies. Just a year ago, she was a tiny newborn in my arms. Today, she’s growing, learning, and thriving. And tomorrow? Tomorrow will come faster than I can imagine.
In that moment, a lesson from Benjamin Hardy’s Be Your Future Self Now echoed in my mind: Time isn’t just something we measure; it’s the canvas on which we create our lives. Every decision we make today is a brushstroke painting the future we’ll one day live.
What Does Your Future Self Look Like?
Hardy’s book is a transformative guide that challenges readers to connect with their highest potential by living today as the person they aspire to become. It invites readers to harness the power of their future self to overcome obstacles, build confidence, align daily actions with long-term goals, and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.
As I watched Everly play with her bright pink balloon, and gazed at Everly’s radiant smile, I couldn’t help but ask myself: What kind of life do I want for her? What kind of legacy do I want to leave for her? And this question quickly morphed into a bigger, more personal inquiry: What actions am I taking right now to secure the future I desire—not only for my daughter but for myself and my family?
Money as a Tool for Happiness
Right now, you might be asking, “How does Money play into this?”
Money, like time, is a tool. Used wisely, it can build a life filled with joy, freedom, and purpose. But are your current money habits paving the way to your dreams—or holding you back?
Too often, we handle money on autopilot: spending, saving, investing, and giving without thinking about the long-term impact. But intentionality transforms finances into a powerful ally. Imagine your future self asking, Are you using money today in a way that builds the life you envision?
Picture Your Future Life
Ask yourself:
- Is your life going the way you want?
- Are you completely confident with the direction of your finances?
- Do you have peace, security, and happiness?
Everly’s Birthday: A Reminder of Time’s Preciousness
As I reflected on Everly’s birthday, I realized life is a collection of fleeting moments. Time doesn’t wait, but it does offer opportunities to shape your destiny. The milestones you celebrate today—whether a birthday, a new habit, or a financial win—are stepping stones to the life you’re building. You are the architect of your future. Every intentional choice you make now determines whether your future self will wake up in a life of fulfillment or regret.
Your Challenge
As the new year begins, taking time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future is a powerful way to start fresh and build momentum. Engaging in a reflection questions activity with loved ones can deepen connections, inspire personal growth, and create a shared sense of purpose for the year ahead. This meaningful exercise helps you celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and align your goals with your values, setting the stage for a year filled with clarity, motivation, and intentional living.
General Reflection Questions on Financial Happiness
Envision Your Ideal Future:
If you were to write a letter from your future self 20 years from now, what would it say about the financial choices you’re making today? Are they aligning with the life you dream of living?
Defining Joy:
What brings you the most happiness and fulfillment in life? How can your financial habits help you create more of those experiences?
Investment Alignment:
Are your current investment strategies aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance? If not, what adjustments do you need to make to feel confident about your future?
Values and Money:
Are your current spending habits a reflection of your core values and long-term goals, or are they driven by short-term desires? How can you shift them if needed?
Time and Financial Intentions:
If time is the canvas of your life, are you using money to paint a picture of joy, security, and freedom? What changes could you make today to create a more vibrant future?
Financial Metrics Check:
What metrics do you use to measure your financial health (e.g., net worth, savings rate, investment returns)? Are those metrics improving each year, and if not, what can you do to course-correct?
Confidence in Your Financial Path:
When you think about your financial future, do you feel confident, or do you have doubts? What actionable steps could you take today to replace doubt with assurance and excitement about your financial journey?
Risk Tolerance Evaluation:
Are your investments aligned with your comfort level regarding risk? Are you taking on too much risk, or are you playing it too safe and missing potential growth opportunities?
Preparing for the Unexpected:
How well-prepared are you for financial risks, such as unexpected expenses or market downturns? Do you have an emergency fund and a diversified portfolio to safeguard against life’s uncertainties?
Legacy and Impact:
What legacy do you want to leave for your family? What financial habits or strategies can you adopt now to make that legacy a reality?
I hope 2025 is the best year of your life. Wishing you and your loved one’s health, wealth, happiness, love, peace, and joy!!!
God Bless,
Dr. Nicholas E. Michels