I called Bill, one of my oldest friends, to wish him Happy New Year. Almost inevitably, when I ask him how he is doing he says, “I’m living the dream.”
From the outside, Bill’s life is quite normal. He does not drive a Ferrari and is not a social media icon. He doesn’t live in a mansion. He is married with two kids. He and his wife are just working to get through each day, week and year.
As Bill made his “living the dream” remark, I reminded him he had been in the hospital multiple times over the last year. Stoically, he said, yes, you are correct, but I don’t have pancreatic cancer and I’m not in the hospital now. Bill continued that he was so fortunate to have access to doctors, nurses and great medical care.
Even when Bill was in the hospital, he had his computer and was busy solving work tickets. He said it kept his mind busy, adding it was therapeutic knowing that despite being in the hospital, he could help others. It kept his mind focused and gave him purpose.
As we visited Bill remarked that when he woke up this morning, there was not a third world dictator trying to kill him. He started 2026 by enjoying coffee on the back deck of his twobedroom condo. He had a bed to sleep in and was about to make some breakfast.
He stopped to say his toilet had been clogged up. But quickly added this meant he had indoor plumbing and tap water he could drink.
When I asked what he had planned for the rest of the day, Bill got excited. He said his neighbor was going to teach him to sail a boat. The thought of mastering the keel, the sail, and the rigging in a manner that caught the wind in perfect manner motivated Bill to learn something new.
Bill was not always this way. In fact, for much of his life he was a rather crusty, pessimistic curmudgeon. I suppose with age and experience, he gained wisdom and perspective.
As I made this observation to Bill, I asked him what he would say if he could go back and give advice to his eighteenyear-old self.
He took a sip of his coffee and thoughtfully said, “Count your blessings, and recognize that no one owes you anything.”
Bill continued, by saying, if you want money, you can get a job. If you want more money or a better job, you can work more hours, change jobs or do things to enhance yourself professionally. Living in a capitalist society is not a guaranteed right depending upon what country you live in. But if you do live in a capitalist society, it is still your responsibility to get up and charge after the opportunity.”
Appreciate the differences and similarities between people in other cities, states and countries. We are more alike than not.
Be spiritual recognizing that religions of the world have far more in common than not. Be thankful you can practice any religion you want.
Keep your friends close. True friends are incredibly hard to make and the ones you can call at two in the morning for any reason become increasingly rare with age.
Focus on the things you can control. Never stop learning. Exercise your body and mind.
Recognize that we live in such a great nation, that even the people who hate it most don’t leave. If you take a step back, you understand that is a very powerful observation.
When I asked Bill where his attitude transformation came from, he said much of it originates from life and dealing with hardship and accomplishment. But he also offered that each day he makes time to read The Daily Stoic: Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living.
Best wishes for 2026. May it be a year of health, learning, opportunity and prosperity.
Dave Sather is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and the CEO of the Sather Financial Group, a fee-only strategic planning and investment management firm.
