NAIFA Partners,

This is the time of year that many will celebrate happy times with family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. For many this time of year will bring back times of laughter, family fun, childhood memories, and special times of celebration. Some will get consumed by shopping, baking, family events, and of course college football. But let us not forget, not everyone will have these joyful times to recall. As

2011 comes to a close we can reflect on the past year and appreciate the accomplishments we have achieved, take pleasure in the success we may have enjoyed, share with others the blessing we have been bestowed. Yet for some this past year brought sorrow, lost, and recall of a horrific event that impacted all of us forever.

I write this message for our newsletter, while in New York City for meetings. This evening, I just returned from visiting the new 911 Memorial. It was breathtaking, somber and life impacting. It was unbelievable too see the hole that still exists, even though the new buildings are going up. It was with somber that I thought about the lives that were impacted that day. Yet it was also wonderful to see the memorial, and that dedication being brought to make sure this was not going to leave a long term scar but instead create motivation and desire to rebuild and become stronger than ever before. Although there is excitement in looking forward the memorial brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the names of the individuals, listed around the memorial, who lost their lives to such a horrible event, was a reality check for me. To see names of the people working in the buildings, the visitors in the buildings that day in and the many firefighters, rescue workers and police officers who willing gave of themself to try to save others, was heart breaking to say the least.

Although we say “we will never forget,” time will tell. What I do know is it made an impression on me, and that will stay with me for my lifetime. One thing I was proud of is to see how we as Americans can rebuild after such a terrifying event. The other thing I was proud of was to know that the life insurance companies decided to honor each and every life insurance policy written on the lives that were lost. I have several close friends in the industry who shared many stories with me on how the insurance companies did not even hesitate in writing the claim checks for the families who lost loved ones during that time. Although many of the life contracts would have allowed them to avoid paying claims due to the fact it was classified as a “Terrorist attack and an act of war,” which by the way is often and exclusion in life insurance policies, the companies did not use that as a reason to deny claims. It makes me proud to be part of an industry that decided to do the right thing. Although we can never replace the lost many endured, we can at least try to bring some financial stability to those left behind. We have one of the best professions in the world, yet we also have one of the hardest professions in the world.   We can bring joy, yet many times must face times of sorry with the clients we serve. As I walk around New York City and see the holiday season all around, people rushing to work, shopping, visiting and enjoying the festivities, I am reminded that people seek to find joy, love, happiness and love. Even when among complete strangers there is a comfort in knowing most, if not all of us, would be willing to help each other in times of need, disaster or tragedy. As a people we strive to better our lives and the lives of those around us. What better profession than ours to help impact the lives of others with love, support and comfort in times of need

As we look forward to a new year, let me challenge each of you to think about what happen this past year in your life? What impacted you forever? What memories will you be able to share with those you love? What inspiration will you bring to those around you? How can you make a strategic difference in 2012 and begin to “pay it forward?”   Reflection is good as long as we do something with it. Dreams are good as long as we actively pursue them. During these times remember to reach out to those around you, share love with them as sometimes that is all we have to share. Share hope with them as we all need that at times.  And most importantly share your heart with others, as that is all that really matters in the end.

I started my career with a saying, and I still live by it today. It guides me daily and I hope in some small way it might help some of you. As I reflect on 2011 and turn my thoughts to 2012 as a new year of opportunity, I think of my guiding phrase that simply states: Learn from yesterday, Dream of tomorrow, but live for today! Reflect, learn, dream and love those around you.