All I ever wanted for Christmas

A rather unusual year is gradually drawing to a close. It will be Christmas in a couple of days. It was an unusual year, and the rage of the poor overthrew governments worldwide. Back home in Nigeria, we bore the full brunt of a recession as the economy contracted for three straight quarters.

It was a year we were forced to adjust our priorities and cut our coats according to our cloth, not our size. For most, there is a gap between our expectations and reality. Things did not pan out the way we had hoped. However, there is plenty to be thankful for, and lots of lessons to learn.

Blaming others for your challenges absolves you of all responsibility for making the necessary adjustments to ensure that it does not happen again.

As we come to the end of the year, let’s focus on what we are thankful for and what matters most. You may not have met your financial goals, but have learned lessons that will put you in a good position to do better next year.

What happens on the inside is much more important than what we see on the outside. Having the love of family and being at peace with yourself is something money cannot buy. Being content with what you have is better than having more but being under tremendous financial pressure. Contentment and inner peace are one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It is not that you have all you ever wanted, but that you enjoy where you are while on the way to where you are going. Losing a loved one brings to focus what matters to us most in life.

I want to wish you a very merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It is a season of peace and goodwill, starting with being at peace with yourself. Happy celebrations