Granted Wish

As I write, I’m vacationing in Emerald Isle, a beautiful oceanfront community along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My family first vacationed here in 1999 when our children were 8, 10, and 12-years old. Over the years we have returned for many summers.

With each visit, one of my favorite things to do is walk along the beach and notice the names given to homes along the oceanfront. On today’s walk I passed by Off-Line, Barefoot in Paradise, Stress-Less, and LegaSea.

On these walks I make it a game to wonder about the stories behind the names. Off-Line is likely a contrast to being Online. Barefoot in Paradise and Stress-Less speak for themselves. And, I like to believe that Lega-Sea represents three or four family generations who have bonded, played, and created memories together at this beach house.

One more name stood out, Granted Wish. I had fun with this name. My guess is that the owner set a 5, 10, or even 20-year goal to someday have a house on the ocean. Poof—wish granted!

Granted Wish continued to linger in my thoughts throughout the day. I contemplated, “In the next 5 years, what will be my Granted Wish?” The house’s namesake serves as a valuable reminder that I need to take responsibility for designing my retirement lifestyle.

Now I challenge you to ask the same question:

“In the next 5 years, what will be your Granted Wish?" Dream big—then do what you need to do to make it happen.

Remember, Granted Wish didn’t receive its name by accident or magic, but it did start with a wish!