Reflection on Year Three: Gratitude, Growth, and the Wheel of Life
Over the last three years, since stepping away from my corporate career, my approach to goal-setting has changed significantly. What once revolved mostly around business goals with a few personal ones sprinkled in has now transformed into something far more holistic.
Year three in this new chapter has truly been a breakthrough. I’ve experienced a deeper alignment between my goals and how I spend my time—a harmony that’s been long in the making.
As I write this, I’m in my hometown, perched in a high-rise with the bustling sounds of life below. The scene reminds me a little of New York City. Tomorrow, I’ll be heading there with my two youngest niece and nephew for his first trip to NYC—a moment I can’t wait to experience with him. Witnessing his sense of wonder will be a blessing.
Source: 2024 New York City - Photographed by Mike Webb (Husband of a grade school friend of mine.)
This reflection brings to mind a tool my mother, a retired coach, shared with me years ago: the Wheel of Life. It’s a simple yet powerful way to assess how balanced your life feels. Over time, I’ve revisited it to see how my chart changes.
In the past, my wheel was anything but round—it had sharp points reflecting the imbalances in my life at different times. While I know there’s no such thing as perfect balance, there’s immense value in creating more flow and harmony in the areas that matter most to us.
Now, in year three, I’m happy to see the wheel becoming more rounded. There’s progress—a vital force in my life that I didn’t fully appreciate until this year. When progress felt slow, I struggled with patience. But now, I dig deeper and reflect more regularly. It is rewarding to see how each step forward, no matter how small, matters.
If you haven’t done a Wheel of Life recently—or ever—maybe this Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to give it a try. Here's how it works:
The Wheel of Life Categories: Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 in these areas:
Finances: Your relationship with money, savings, and financial freedom.
Health: Your physical and mental well-being.
Family & Friends: The depth and quality of your relationships.
Romance: Your connection with a significant other or your love life.
Personal Development: Your growth in knowledge, skills, and self-awareness.
Fun and Recreation: The joy and leisure you allow yourself to experience.
Contribution to Society: Your impact on the world and how you give back.
Business & Career: Your fulfillment and growth in your professional life.
How to Rate Yourself:
For each category, ask yourself:How satisfied am I with this area of my life?
How aligned is this area with my goals and values?
Place a dot on a circular diagram for each category, with 1 at the center and 10 at the edge. Then, connect the dots to see the shape of your wheel.
The goal isn’t perfection but awareness, appreciation, and intentional improvement if you so desire.
On my Thanksgiving gratitude list, I want to thank each of you—those who read our work, use our tools, and share our content. These writings and podcasts are my way of contributing to the community, sharing ideas for financial flexibility and freedom, and embracing any future that comes our way. Thank you for being on the other end of this connection. You’re like that kind friend across the dinner table or on a long hike, where we talk for hours under the golden Aspen leaves on a perfect fall day.
Gratitude for Heaven on Earth
Life is so precious and short. I often wonder if heaven is here on earth—in the people we meet, the friends who touch our souls, and the family who love us unconditionally. It’s in the human body’s miraculous ability to heal itself, in the tender voice of someone we love, or in the breathtaking majesty of the sunset sky reflecting on a historic river, a beautiful hidden gem, or sloping fogcap mountains.
It’s the sweet smile and sparkling eyes of a child reminding us there are angels among us. It’s the bird’s chirp that feels like a message from a loved one who has passed. It’s the friend whose generosity expands our world or the lifelong girlfriend whose bond remains strong even after months of space.
We have so much to be thankful for. We are alive, even if just for today.
To you, reading this post—thank you. When I write, I see your faces in my mind, and it warms my heart. You remind me how connected we all are. And yes, I see heaven more and more each day. For that, I’m deeply grateful.
With kindness,
Rachel