Do you recognize the picture above? Do you know where this location is, or have you been there? It’s known as “Land’s End” on the tip of Baja California in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…and it is one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the world. As the author of www.cabos.com, Luis Ernesto de la Garza Carballo describes it:
The southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula ends in a fascinating rock formation where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. “Land’s End”, also known as The Arch of Cabo San Lucas in Los Cabos, is surrounded by vast expanses of ocean; the rocks feature a peculiar arch sculpted over centuries by the strength of the sea.
To see the Land’s End Arch up close, you have to arrive by boat. A stretch of sand is uncovered during low tide, allowing you to walk under Land’s End Arch on Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), a safe and fascinating area alongside the Sea of Cortez. On the other side sits Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), where the waters are too dangerous for swimming due to strong currents and waves. When boating around to the tip of Land’s End, you can’t get too close to the arch due to extreme ocean currents and bay currents meeting at this point.
The two beautiful but extremely different beaches at “Land’s End” in Cabo are similar to what we are experiencing today in both news and politics. You can safely wade into the water on the tranquil side known as Lover’s Beach, or you can cross the isthmus to see (and stay out of) the treacherous and violent waters known as Divorce Beach. Unfortunately for these two beaches, there is no happy medium. You cannot find small waves where it is safe to body surf or play in the shore breaking waves.
I thought this dynamic location provides a perfect and comparable snapshot of our current pre-election political and economic environment. News is either ‘for’ or ‘against’ any side of our political process right now. Stories are either about ‘beating’ or ‘losing’ the fight against COVID-19. People are seemingly either ‘for donning a mask’ or ‘never wearing one.’ And the stock market indexes have been hitting all-time highs while many businesses on main street are shuttering and filing bankruptcy.
But unlike having to choose which side of the beach you want to be on, we can approach our economic environment knowing that the future is unpredictable, that our current frustrations are temporary, and that this moment, shall pass. We can remain steadfast and focused on what we can control, like our spending, savings, and our reactions to news, the stock market, or what our politicians say. Furthermore, and regardless of who wins the presidential election in November or when a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available, we, the people, will move on and work and play and do what is right for ourselves and our families.
Nothing can stop a motivated person from accomplishing, or attempting to accomplish, great things. When we let the noise of media, COVID, politics, and ‘that neighbor’ get the better end of us, we are defaulting to a miserable existence that leads down a path to depression, or something worse. Remaining vigilant and focused on a purpose that serves you and others to live a happier healthy life is what should be at the forefront of your daily plan. I’m not saying to ignore life’s challenges; I’m suggesting to keep yourself focused on the prize and ultimate outcome.
At Arktos Wealth Management, we help our clients explore opportunities that sometimes seem unattainable. Conducting a thorough financial analysis utilizing current and projected cash flows can open up options for doing more of what you want, and less of the drudgery that you don’t. Knowing what is possible and within your reach is sometimes all you need to put a spring in your step each new day. Call us or schedule a complimentary 30-minute meeting to see how we can help!
Frank A. Virgallito, CFP