This morning was one of those “choose your battles” mornings.

You know the kind: You see the clock. You feel the schedule. And your child? They’re living in a jazz tempo — all improvisation, no urgency.

My youngest decided today was the day she would learn how to tie her shoes.

Not just tie them — master them.

At 7:42 AM.

When the “get in the car” alarm goes off at 7:38.

Old me — 30-something, rushing, stressed, “we gotta go!” energy — would’ve swooped in and tied the shoes myself. Because efficiency. Because time. Because schedules.

But 40-something me?

She paused.

Because this season of my life isn’t about proving I can do everything.

It’s about teaching my girls they can — even if it takes a little longer.

So I knelt.

I breathed.

And I watched her make loops that looked like interpretive dance moves.

And you know what?

She tied the shoes.

Were they tight? No ma’am.

Did she beam like she just won the Boston Marathon? Absolutely.

Parenting after 40 has taught me that:

Speed isn’t the goal. Independence is. Pride changes everything.

We’re not just raising children — we’re raising future adults who will need to trust themselves when no one is watching.

And sometimes the lesson is hidden in messy bunny-ear shoelaces at 7:42 AM.

💼 Business Bridge — TOPP & TOPP Focus This Week

This same patience applies to how we support families with financial planning.

We don’t rush, push, or pressure.

We educate, step-by-step, at your pace.

Our philosophy:

We don’t sell insurance — we serve families.

We help you create security that supports your life today and continues to support your loved ones tomorrow.

This week we’re highlighting:

Fixed Index Annuities: where you can never lose your principal, even when the market shifts. 401(k) Rollovers into Annuities: so your retirement savings can continue to work safely and steadily — with clarity, not confusion.

Financial independence takes patience too.

We walk with you — not ahead of you.