When we talk about wealth, it’s easy to default to numbers — portfolios, returns, and long-term plans. But every so often, it’s worth pausing to ask a deeper question: What is your wealth actually creating in your life today?
As part of our July focus on rejuvenation, purposeful living, and generational impact, the Generation Private Wealth team recently sat down with Mark Bertoli for a thoughtful conversation on how wealth can play a meaningful role in how we live — not just someday, but right now.
Wealth as More Than Numbers
Wealth is, at its foundation, a store of security. When built thoughtfully, it can support not only your own life, but generations to come. However, it’s not just about security. It’s also about options.
Options to:
- Slow down when needed
- Take time away
- Disconnect from day-to-day demands
- Create space to recharge
And it’s within those options that rejuvenation begins to take shape.
What Rejuvenation Really Looks Like
Through his experience working closely with clients over the years, Mark has witnessed how powerful rejuvenation can be.
In some cases, it shows up in retirement. Within weeks, clients often describe feeling years — sometimes decades — younger. Better sleep, less stress, and a renewed sense of energy they didn’t even realize they were missing.
In other cases, it comes in the form of intentional breaks — a sabbatical or time away from work. Clients have found they return not just rested, but noticeably different. Clearer, more present, more grounded.
As Mark shared during our conversation, when you’re stressed and tired, a problem is a problem. But when you’re truly rejuvenated, that same problem becomes an opportunity for creativity.
The “Busy” Trap
Another important theme that came up in our discussion was the way we view “busyness.”
In North America, being busy has almost become a badge of honour. Fast-paced schedules, constant motion, and full calendars are often seen as signs of success.
But it raises an important question: At what cost?
Here, when we ask someone how their week is going, the answer is often: “Busy.”
Rarely do we hear: “I feel at peace.”
And yet, that sense of peace is often what many people are truly seeking.
Mark reflected on how different this mindset can be outside the Western world — where time, rest, and peace are often valued just as highly as productivity.
So what does rejuvenation actually look like in practice?
As Mark shared in our conversation, it often starts by doing something that feels surprisingly difficult: stepping off the treadmill, disconnecting, allowing yourself to be still, even a little bored.
There’s a quiet strength in being able to sit alone, without distraction, and simply reflect. It’s in those moments that clarity begins to emerge.
Rejuvenation and Generational Impact
Our conversation with Mark naturally expanded into the idea of generational impact — one of the pillars that guides how we think about wealth at Generation Private Wealth.
Mark spoke about what he’s observed as a consistent principle in life: What you give, you receive.
Generational impact can certainly take the form of financial giving, supporting causes and communities you care about. But equally important is the example you set, giving your time, being present, demonstrating care for others, and living out your values in tangible ways.
There’s a deep sense of peace that comes from contributing without expectation. And that example can shape not only your own life, but the lives of those around you for generations.
The Link Between Personal Wellness and Family Wellbeing
Another important insight from our conversation with Mark was just how connected personal wellbeing is to the wellbeing of those around us.
When life feels rushed, stressful, and overwhelming, it becomes difficult to be fully present at home. Energy is limited; patience wears thin.
But when we are rested and rejuvenated:
- We show up more fully
- We engage more thoughtfully
- We respond with greater creativity and care
In many ways, the way we take care of ourselves becomes a gift to our families.
The Equation for Quality of Life
A key distinction we don’t often pause to consider: There is life… and then there is quality of life.
When we’re younger, quality of life can feel automatic. But as we move through different stages, it becomes something we need to consciously protect and invest in. This includes prioritizing sleep, managing stress, maintaining physical health, and supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
It’s one thing to live a long life. It’s another to live well—through every stage of it. And the choices we make today can have a profound impact on that future.
Living Well Today
Our conversation with Mark was a reminder that financial planning is about more than building wealth — it’s about using that wealth to build a meaningful life.
Rejuvenation isn’t something to push off for later. It’s an essential part of living well today and creating a lasting impact for tomorrow.
As you move through the summer months, it may be worth reflecting on a few simple questions:
- On the path I’m on today, am I moving toward the quality of life I want?
- Am I showing up as the best version of myself for the people I care about?
- Where can I create a little more space for what matters most?
Sometimes the most important insights don’t come from doing more, but from creating space to think about the life you’re already living.
A Final Thought
If this resonates with you, it may be a good time to pause and reflect on how your current financial plan is supporting not just your long-term goals, but your quality of life today. At Generation Private Wealth, these are the conversations we value most, helping you align your wealth with how you want to live, feel, and show up for the people who matter most to you.
If you’d ever like to revisit your financial plan through this lens, our team is always here to have that conversation.
