It’s been a while. I’m still here. Moving forward. still figuring myself out.

Grandpa. Dad. Brother. Son. Mostly husband.

Bald. Grumpy exterior. Compassionate interior. Mostly grateful.

The shadow above is recently cast while the weather cooperates and we bend the calendar to take advantage.

I had lunch the other day with my accountant. He’s a lot more than that; friend, Vistage brother, inspiration. I asked him the question that has been hounding me for years. “How much is enough?” I knew he’d have a good answer.

He shared more than he had to about his personal situation and I reciprocated. He also shared friends who passed who had plenty but they aren’t here to enjoy it. Sobering, more so at my age.

So the implication when someone asks that question is [money]. If you earn it, accumulate it and preserve it, what gets in the way of enjoying it? Health, career, obligations. What starts to erode it, besides taxes? Greed, foolishness, bad habits and lack of control.

What’s the answer? First, it isn’t really about money. Yes, you need a certain amount to survive at a certain level. The percentage of people who can live a similar lifestyle after they hang up their spurs is pretty small. The rest adapt and adjust.

The currency behind the question is not money. The basis for the question is how can I be happy for the rest of my life and the only response is quality relationships. The more you have the higher your life quality and the greater the enjoyment.

No one enjoys life without meaningful relationships.

Have a blessed weekend!