When I was in my 20s, my initial career plan seemed like a good one. The goals were a bit of a stretch, but attainable with hard work and commitment; complete graduate school, 10 years as a consultant, 10 more years building a successful business and retire early at the age of 50. At least I had a plan.

Man plans, God laughs.

Now that I’ve passed 50 and retirement is still in the distance, I find myself reevaluating my circumstances and options while developing the next phase of a perpetually morphing career and life.

Things are much different in the economy and society today than they were 35 years ago besides my age. Back then, encouragement to find a “good corporate job and pension” was still reliable advice. I grew up with the belief that my salary, car, house and investment portfolio were the best and truest measures of wealth. That belief however, can be taxing on the psyche and often leads to burning out on the daily grind of a hamster wheel.

It’s time to shift the notion of true wealth. Judith Fertig’s feature article, subtitled “Living a Life We Love Is Real Affluence,” provides a framework that helps evaluate what’s important and explores the dynamics of riches that go far beyond money. Identifying, building and actually living a life I love is the best measure of true wealth that I can hope to attain. Are you up to the task of identifying, building and living the life you love?

Marcus Aurelius said, “The events of life are here for my benefit and everything is turned to my advantage when I greet any situation, as if it were the very thing I was looking for.” Truly, whatever arises in life is the right material to bring about your growth and the growth of those around you. Everything contains some special purpose and a hidden blessing. What then could be strange or arduous when all of life is here to greet you like an old and faithful friend?

In this month of Thanksgiving, let’s pause to convey gratitude for our wealth of mind, body and spirit and the opportunities that exist for us to learn, grow and prosper on all levels and in all circumstances.

While we build a life we love around family, friends and community, let’s remember to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

Dave