Saying Yes to What Matters

I’ve always loved writing newsletters and blogs. For me, it has never been about filling inboxes or checking a box on my to-do list. It’s about sharing. If I come across an idea or a practice that makes life simpler or more joyful, I feel compelled to pass it along. That is one of my guiding principles—sharing what I know to help others live better.

Another guiding principle in my life, and in my work at Abaya Wealth Management, is the belief that investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make. When you do, you open doors—to choices, opportunities, and experiences that bring real joy.

I am living proof of that. Investing in myself over the years has given me the ability to provide for my children and myself, yes—but it has also given me the freedom to say “yes” when opportunities come my way.

A few months ago, I said yes. Now I’m writing this from aboard the National Geographic/Lindblad Sea Lion, cruising through the Inner Passage of Alaska and British Columbia. My mom wanted this trip for her 80th birthday and asked Gary and I to join my parents. It has been magical.

We’ve spotted bald eagles soaring overhead, glaciers glistening in the sun, otters playing in the water, sea lions lounging, and humpback whales rising from the depths with breathtaking power. Every time I lift my camera to capture a moment, Gary says I light up. He’s right—behind that lens, surrounded by this beauty, I feel fully alive.

But here is what makes it even more special: I didn’t have to hesitate. I didn’t have to worry about whether I could afford to come, or if saying yes meant saying no to something else important. I could simply go, and be present, and soak in every moment with my family.

That’s the gift of investing in yourself. It is not just about numbers on a balance sheet—it’s about creating the freedom to live the life you imagine. For me, right now, that means watching my mom smile as she celebrates her 80th surrounded by glaciers and whales.

And for you? It might mean something different. But I can promise this: when you invest in yourself, you give yourself the power to say “yes” when it matters most.