Embracing Gratitude: Celebrating Wins and Lessons from a Challenging Year
90-Day Challenge: Day 31 of 90
Yesterday, I had the honor of concluding our annual awards event at RA Financial, a moment to recognize and celebrate the wonderful achievements within our family. Reflecting on the past year, 2024, was quite the journey—filled with moments that tested us, but also moments that shined brightly with success and gratitude.
Last year, for the first time, RA Financial experienced negative growth. It stung a bit to see our numbers go down rather than up, largely due to challenges with our business partner and some organizational shifts. Initially, I thought of keeping this part of the year out of the limelight during our awards night. But then, I realized it’s an integral part of our story. Life, like business, comes with ups and downs, and it’s essential to acknowledge both.
The Spirit of Adaptability
One thing remains clear at RA Financial: we don’t simply accept our circumstances—we adapt and push forward. Even amid challenges, we recorded splendid successes. Many of our team members ranked high as achievers, qualified for MDRTs, and earned well-deserved travel incentives. One of our senior leaders earned back-to-back Manager of the Year honors from our insurance provider partner, and another ranked impressively among a thousand leaders. It’s clear our leaders stepped up and soared above expectations.
On a personal level, even as we faced a tough year, it was also a period of immense personal growth for me. My income soared to new heights. I had the privilege of speaking in Beijing and have the excitement of speaking at the MDRT annual meeting in Miami this year. My investments defied expectations, providing significant returns.
Moments of Personal Joy
These achievements were accompanied by other significant personal joys. Watching my brother get engaged warmed my heart, witnessing him find his life partner. I treasured the moments spent with my parents last year, especially with the surprise party for my dad’s birthday, creating memories I cherish deeply. I was fortunate to travel, exploring 20 destinations across eight countries, indulging in the beauty of the world around us.
My partner’s career thrived, and our adorable pets filled our days with laughter and love. As the year ended, I learned crucial lessons about health and self-care, motivating me to prioritize self-care by undergoing hair and eye treatments, and integrating skincare into my routine. These changes have made me feel and look better than ever before.
Discovering a New Passion
I stepped into the realm of writing, sharing my thoughts through my website and LinkedIn—a platform where recently, I was honored to be ranked number one in the Philippines for personal finance and investing. This venture into writing has exceeded my expectations, reaffirmed by the positive response it continues to receive. Now, I am embracing a clearer sense of direction and purpose in life.
From these experiences, the lesson resonates strongly: life, albeit unpredictable, is filled with choices. Challenges and failures will appear, but within us resides the strength to decide how we react and the talent to achieve our dreams regardless of circumstances. Gratitude transforms how we perceive life’s obstacles, shifting our focus onto the innumerable blessings we possess.
Gratitude as a Mindset
When we step back and look at life through the lens of gratitude, we understand that a single problem is but a small dot amidst an ocean of abundance. As I carry these lessons forward, I hold onto the realization that gratitude speaks to abundance, while complaints echo scarcity. It’s this gratitude that fuels our passion and maintains a clear perspective.
So, I invite you all to embrace gratitude. Reflect on the wins, the simple joys, and the countless blessings that surround you. Gratefulness will guide us through any storm, leaving us with a surplus of peace and joy.
How will you practice gratitude today? Share your heartwarming moments and intentions in the comments below.