By: Bruce Eisenhauer- Executive Assistant Registered Rep
When the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic began, time seemed to stand still. Yet here we are at the beginning of the holiday season.
So many people have lost their jobs, been forced to work at home, and felt isolated. Children have tried to home school, go back to school, divide between school and home and again in every combination imaginable.
There has been widespread panic. People buying up all the toilet paper, paper towels, water, guns, ammunition, and many other items. We live in a time of extremes and it feels like the people of the United States are becoming increasingly divided.
A plethora of events this year have led to that division. A contentious election, perhaps the handling of the pandemic and a turbulent market have made everyone uneasy. Oftentimes, it is difficult to discern the truth from the mixed messages being passionately shouted at all of us through the news and other forms of media.
It is easy to feel fearful, confused and even discouraged. However, if we can do our best to cut through this outside noise, maybe we would find that our collective hardships and challenges are possibly what could reunite us.
Practicing Gratitude
This year, more than ever, we could all use some extra holiday cheer, and one of the surest ways to feel that is by practicing gratitude and serving others. It’s the classic: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” It is in these times where we search for things to be grateful for, are kind to others, and serve how and where we can, that we can feel peace and calm despite the turbulence of the world.
The funny thing about gratitude is that the more you express it, the more you can find to be grateful for. I think of my family and how it is growing with beautiful grandbabies, and watching my children become solid members of their communities and function as parents as their families continue to grow. I am very blessed to have a family that is close and loves one another.
Over Veterans Day recently, I took time to reflect on those who have served and are currently serving in our military. I am proud of the time I served and of those in my family currently serving. So many have laid down their lives to ensure the freedoms and opportunities America offers to her people.
Our Giving Tradition
There are so many ways to practice gratitude and serve our fellow Americans. A couple of years ago we started a tradition here Meikle Financial Group of feeding the homeless. We spend a day at the office with our clients making bag meals for one of our local shelters. Last year, we were able to provide over 300 meals. This year we hope to duplicate that or hopefully even more.
We may never know what circumstances led someone to homelessness but what we all have in common is the basic need for food and shelter. I also believe a kind word or acknowledgment does not hurt either.
Being able to serve or help someone in need is a way to put our own lives in perspective and I believe it helps us to recognize the many blessings and advantages we have, even in challenging times. Working together, no matter our differences is a way to learn about the world and our common humanity.
If you would like to volunteer your time or to just financially help, we will provide a few opportunities next year to join with us in helping different groups in need. We will calendar some events right after the new year and make it available to you. If there is a charity that is near and dear to your heart, please reach out to us and we will see if it is possible for us to put an event together for them.
Being a Constant in Uncertain Times
Those of us at Meikle Financial Group have your best interests at heart. We strive to be a constant in your life during this time of uncertainty and will do our best to ensure that the advice we give is always based on trustworthy information combined with technical analysis.
We will help you take control of the things that you can control and put a plan in place for the things that we cannot control. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday season, recognizes the many blessings that we have, and thanks those who help ensure those blessings both internally in our families and those who protect our rights on a broader level. This year more than ever it is crucial to practice gratitude.
