What I’m Grateful Didn’t Go As Planned

I’ve always been a planner. I like to know my options, research the possibilities, weigh the pros and cons, and feel confident that I’ve thought things through before making a decision.

Maybe that’s part of what drew me to financial planning. I believe in being prepared, thinking ahead, and making intentional choices about the future.

But something I’ve been learning, especially in my personal life, is that there’s a difference between preparing for the future and trying to control how it unfolds.

Sometimes I catch myself mentally preparing for situations that haven’t even happened. I imagine what could go wrong and how I might respond. Before I know it, I’ve spent more energy anticipating tomorrow than appreciating today.

And that comes at a cost—not necessarily a financial one, but a cost to our peace, our time, and sometimes even our joy.

When a Career Decision Becomes Something More

In 2012, after finishing graduate school, I accepted a job offer in Florida and moved from New Jersey on my own. My family was still up north, and I didn’t know anyone here except the people I interviewed with. I had no idea what my life here would become. I certainly didn’t expect to love Florida as much as I do today. I even told my parents I’d move back to NJ after two years or so.

Over the years, I’ve built relationships, found community, and created a life I’m truly grateful for. What started as a career decision became so much more.

It’s funny how we can carefully consider a decision and still be surprised by what comes from it. Some things simply can’t be known until we take the next step.

Financial Planning Without Trying to Control the Future

As a financial advisor, I help people prepare for their futures. We talk about retirement, investments, unexpected expenses, and decisions that can shape someone’s financial well-being. I believe wholeheartedly in having a plan. But even the most thoughtful financial plan can’t predict every opportunity, challenge, or change life might bring.

The purpose of financial planning isn’t to control the future. It’s to create a foundation that helps us navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and flexibility. And in life, it’s the same thing. A good plan leaves room for changing priorities, new dreams, and opportunities we never saw coming. It should support the life we’re living, not keep us so focused on tomorrow that we miss today.

Learning to Let Go of Control

One of the things I’m working on is learning to surrender a little more. God seems to have misplaced the tracking number on when I’m fully going to accept this gift – Amazon must not be delivering it.

That doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility or leaving every decision to chance. It means doing my part, making thoughtful choices, and accepting that I can’t control every outcome. I’ve been reflecting on the parts of life that haven’t unfolded quite as I imagined. Some have challenged me. Others have surprised me. And some have become blessings I never knew to ask for. Moving to Florida is one of those blessings.

Gratitude for the Unexpected

I’m grateful that I took a chance on a new chapter, even without knowing where it would lead. And I’m learning that I can prepare for tomorrow while still finding joy in today.

Perhaps some of life’s greatest gifts are the things we never saw coming.

Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude for both the expected and unexpected blessings in your lives.

November 2026