Spring is Just Around the Corner || Port Alberni Financial Advisor

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the time of year when we start to open our windows to let the fresh air in.  It’s also the time of year when the sun begins to shine more frequently, and it’s then that we notice the streaks and grime on our window panes, and the accumulated dust and grit in the corners of our home.  With spring, comes spring cleaning!  The notion of cleaning one’s house each spring originated from the philosophy of the Persian New Year, where Persians believed that as nature renewed itself, people should also renew themselves.  Old items not needed anymore were thrown out and the home was cleaned from top to bottom.  Spring was the season to rejoice in new birth and starting life anew.

Some people like to do their spring cleaning because of the good weather after winter.  It’s an opportune time to take advantage of the warmth and sunshine to clean carpets and hang them outside to freshen up.  To some, spring cleaning can be compared to the nesting instinct – we are cleaning and feathering our nest.  It can be both a physical and metal activity.  The dreary months of winter have made us inactive as we bundle up indoors.  Our energy levels are dragged down as a result, and we overindulge in “comfort food”. Spring is the time of year when the better weather and prospect of new life re-energizes us.  We may find ourselves spring cleaning our bodies, our minds and our souls.  A good spring cleanse should jump-start your metabolism and boost our energy levels, whether we are referring to cleaning our bodies or our homes.  Spring is almost here – let’s welcome it with open arms and rejoice in new beginnings!

Photos by Stirling Images Photography

Are You Thankful for What You Have? || Ucluelet, Tofino & Port Alberni Investment Advisor

People who live in Canada are blessed.  We are blessed to live where we do and have what we have, but in reality – we are spoiled.  We have so much, yet we get frustrated and angry when some trivial thing happens to “ruin our day”.  It could be little things such as not being able to get a good signal for our cell phone, or having to sit in traffic for twenty minutes,  or having to wait in line at a coffee shop when we’re in a hurry.  Our impatience with these minor trivialities demonstrates an ungrateful spirit.  We are richer than the majority of the people in the rest of the world, who don’t even own a cell phone or car, or can afford to buy coffee from a barista.  We need to stop being so selfish and be more thankful for what we do have.  In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Here are some things to be thankful for.  If you're reading this blog, these are very likely things you have.  You must remind yourself to be grateful for having these things, because many people in the world don’t.

• Clean Water
• A bathroom with a toilet that flushes everything away
• Electricity
• A roof over your head
• Food on your table
• A stove to cook your meals
• A regular income
• School
• General good health
• Freedom of choice

In these tough economic times you may be frustrated and feel the need to complain, but remind yourself of all the good things you have in your life and be thankful for them!  Did you know that almost half the world live on less than $2.50 per day?  At least 80% of humanity live on less than $10 per day.   When you are feeling frustrated and disgruntled about your life, stop and think about the rest of the world and how your life compares.  YOU are richer than the majority of people in this world.  Here are some photos for you to think about how many people in the world live.  Compare it to your life - and be thankful!

Photos by Stirling Images Photography