The Mirror of Erised
In preparation for a trip to Europe with our son and his wife, both big Harry Potter fans, it made sense to watch at least one movie from the series to familiarize myself with the characters. In the first movie, I was fascinated to learn about the Mirror of Erised.
Albus Dumbledore (known as the big cheese) says to Harry Potter (you can guess who he is) as Harry stares into the mirror: “It shows nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desires of our hearts…. However, this mirror gives us neither knowledge or truth. Men have wasted away in front of it, even gone mad…. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.”
[To provide further insight into the magical mirror, it is engraved across the top with these words: “Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.” Read backwards, as if in a mirror, the message says, “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.” And now you know the word “erised” itself, in mirror image, is the word “desire”!]
Many people spend too much time looking into their version of the Mirror of Erised. They look to reverse a past event that can’t be changed, or attempt to create a reality, as they want it to be, regardless of truth or knowledge, and to project a future that cannot guarantee its outcomes, consistency, relationships, and returns.
Too many forget to live today, and to take steps today to prepare for better outcomes, more positive returns, and a retirement that may allow time to give and live as they might enjoy.
What you focus on will impact how you enjoy today and your likelihood to better enjoy tomorrow.
Are you staring into your Mirror of Erised, with little understanding of the next best step, but hoping, somehow, it will all work out?
Or, better, do you have a team to walk with you—a team that helps you identify a dream, fine-tune your focus and live into practical strategies to help you arrive there? Your team should help you move steadily and confidently on a path.
It’s perfectly fine to glance in the mirror to identify your deep desires. But follow the advice given to Harry: Don’t waste away mesmerized by misplaced hopes or irrational fears of the future. Enjoy living today and take steps with a solid plan to get where you want to go.
We’re ready to walk alongside you so that your mirror will reflect a person who views the future optimistically and realistically, living in peace today. Call Randy, 440-808-1500, for a conversation about living today for the future of your erised.
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Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer of solicitation for the sale or purchase of specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
