The Right Place at the Right Time
The opening slide of Carl Richards’ keynote speech at the 2025 XYPN Live conference. It’s our beloved Mary Oliver quote!!
The Right Place at the Right Time
Have you ever had that feeling of certainty that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be? That deep sense of alignment — the kind that gives you chills because it feels so right? Some call it kismet, flow, miracle, or coincidence. Whatever you call it, the feeling is unmistakable.
A few weeks ago, I had one of those moments.
The Energy of Shared Purpose
Every year, Andrea and I attend a conference for fee-only, fiduciary, independent advisors like us. It’s one of our favorite professional gatherings — full of people who care deeply about doing what’s right for clients, not what’s convenient or easy.
The energy at these conferences is incredible. We get to “nerd out” (our favorite thing) on topics like health care for business owners, long-term care and estate planning for childfree clients, and investment tax strategies. We have deep, real conversations with other advisors about how they’re building their practices — and the challenges and joys that come with running a values-based business in this industry.
It’s a mix of learning, connection, and inspiration — and this year, one particular moment really stood out.
The Spark
One of the keynote speakers was Carl Richards — whose talented work I’ve shared before. If you’ve been in our office, you’ve seen some of his Sharpie-drawn illustrations hanging on our walls. His drawings capture the essence of complex financial ideas with simple, powerful images.
Carl started his presentation with a quote that made me gasp out loud — and might sound familiar to you too:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
This quote is at the heart of our firm’s name and mission — it’s the question that inspired our firm’s name, One Wild Life Advisors.
Our “Why”
Carl’s talk focused on finding your why — and helping clients discover theirs. Because isn’t that really what financial planning is about? Money itself isn’t the goal; it’s the tool that helps you live your one wild and precious life with purpose and joy.
As he spoke, Andrea and I looked at each other, smiling. There was our quote — our why — up on stage in front of hundreds of our peers. It felt like the universe giving us a quiet nod, saying, “Yes. You’re exactly where you need to be.”
Validation and Forward Momentum
That moment felt like such beautiful validation of the path we’ve taken — launching One Wild Life Advisors, guiding our clients through their life changes, and building something that reflects who we are and what we believe in.
It was also a reminder of why we do this work: to help people align their money with what matters most to them.
We left the conference feeling energized, inspired, and full of hope for what’s next — for our firm, our clients, and the community we’re creating together.
Because when you find yourself in the right place at the right time, it’s not just confirmation — it’s fuel for what comes next.
So let me ask you: What’s one small step you could take this month toward living your one wild and precious life?
Let us know what your small step is here.
If you’d like to learn more about how to align your finances with your vision of a wild life, reach out. We’d love to have a conversation with you.
