"Moments" : A Reflection on Family, Time, and Purpose

Good morning, everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying the crisp frost and the beauty of this time of year. With just a handful of days left in 2024, this is the perfect season to pause, reflect, plan, and, most importantly, to cherish the small but powerful wins in life—whether they come in business, with family, or with friends.

Last week, while visiting Mum and Dad, I came across this photograph. It absolutely stopped me in my tracks.

For days, it’s been with me—on my desk, on the kitchen table, and always in my thoughts. It’s sparked so many emotions: gratitude, nostalgia, and deep reflection.

This photo, taken almost 40 years ago, is more than just an image—it’s a story. A story of love, laughter, and time spent together. A story of a family, my family, and the people who shaped me into the person I am today.

Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Precious time is slipping away, and the older we get, the faster it moves.

My parents—what can I say about them that could possibly do justice to their impact on my life?

Dad, a Christmas Day baby, still bubbling, so energetic, full of life, and very much the same magnificent person who shaped everything I am today. He’s Alex Ferguson in another life—a thinker, a planner, and someone who always led by example, not just words. Growing up, his passion for sport, business, and life itself was infectious. He taught me that success—whether in sport, business, or life—comes from three simple principles:

    •        Show up prepared. Win the morning, and you win the day. This applies to everything—health, relationships, and work.

    •        Do the hard things. His favourite saying: “If you always do what’s easy, you’ll have a hard life. But if you do the hard things now, you’ll have an easier life later.”

    •        Play as a team, think as a leader. Life isn’t a solo pursuit; it’s about unity, collaboration, and building something bigger than yourself.

His least favourite word in the dictionary? “I.” On the day Brenda and I got married, he gave me one simple but powerful piece of advice: “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘we.’” That’s who Dad is—a man who believes in the power of togetherness and always gets things done!

Mum, still only 21 (so she says), is the perfect balance to Dad—the yin to his yang. She’s pure love, joy, and light. Her mantra, “Live, love, laugh,” isn’t just words; it’s her essence. She’s the glue that holds us all together, the warmth in every room, and the heart of every good memory. I can still hear her singing “Crazy” or playing the piano—her joy is contagious. She lights up every room she walks into and continues to inspire so many to this day.

Mum and Dad aren’t just a couple—they’re a team, a partnership that inspires me every day. They found their calling in each other, just as I found mine in Brenda.

Brenda—my partner for 25 years and my wife for just over 20—is the anchor and love of my life. Together, we’ve built a family rooted in love, laughter, and shared dreams. We’ve been blessed with two incredible children:

    •        Mark, 13, fearless on the rugby and GAA pitch, teaching me the power of grit and determination. Not the fastest, like his dad, but he’s certainly the bravest.

    •        Michelle, 10, creative and full of wonder, showing me how to see the world with fresh eyes. She has a quick wit and an even bigger heart—wonder where she gets that f

These five people—Mum, Dad, Brenda, Mark, and Michelle—are my foundation, my purpose, and my joy.

True wealth isn’t measured in euros or bank accounts; it’s measured in moments, memories, and meaning.

    •        It’s lunch with Mum by the sea in Strandhill or an ice cream at her favorite café.

    •        It’s sitting beside Dad at Croke Park, cheering on the game together.

    •        It’s a drive to Connemara with Brenda and the kids, the car filled with laughter and the promise of a day well spent.

    •        And sometimes, it’s as simple as a phone call.

Small things are the big things in life. I’ve learned this deeply, having had my share of near misses and ambulance rides.

I ring my parents every day—365 days a year. It’s non-negotiable. It’s a small act, but it brings me immense joy, connection, and grounding. I share this not to impress but to express the importance of staying close to those in your inner sanctum. For many of us who’ve lost loved ones, we know how precious time truly is.

Turning 50, feeling 20 I know my time is finite. There are roughly 900 months in a lifetime, and I’ve lived more than half of mine. We live every day, but we only die once. How will I spend the months ahead? On what truly matters: family, love, life and building something really special here Atlantic Wealth Management for all clients, families and companies all over Ireland.

We wake up every day with two gifts: a choice and a chance. How we use them shapes everything—our health, our wealth, our family, and our business.

This reflection is at the heart of why I founded Atlantic Wealth Management . Inspired by the sea when life and the universe were telling me some hard truths around maybe slowing down to speed up and follow my "calling" to lead, dream, inspire and do something special. Again Brenda loves saying "Niall, dream and someday it will be right one" And here we are - Chaging lives and making a real difference in people's lives not just with the financials but the simple small things which we all know are the big things.

Time is slipping by, and life isn’t a dress rehearsal. We help people align their money with what truly matters—so they can experience freedom, joy, and peace of mind, focusing on what’s important and making their dreams a reality.

Inspired by my dear friend Gerry Duffy , who after seeing a photo of himself that he didn't like went onto run "32 marathons in 32 days" write books and inspire people all over the world. He once said to me something that changed how I think & that was a simple change of thinking “I have to” to “I get to.” Thank you Gerry!

    •        I get to spend time with my loved ones, whether it’s an ice cream with Mum or a match with Dad.

    •        I get to cheer on Mark at a rugby match or listen to Michelle’s newest creative ideas.

    •        I get to live a life rich in love, connection, and purpose—and spend time with my wonderful clients all over Ireland, who inspire me to reach new levels.

Get busy living or get busy dying. Life isn’t about chasing what’s next; it’s about savouring what’s now. It’s about staying present, cherishing the people who make your life meaningful, and creating memories that will outlive you.

So let me ask you: What choices and chances will you make today?

In the end, life is not measured by the wealth we accumulate, but by the memories we create and the love we share. Time is slipping away—choose wisely, live intentionally, and savour every moment.”

If you’d like to explore how we can help you align your wealth with what truly matters, visit us Atlantic Wealth Management Let’s build something meaningful together.

To my family Brian Leyden Valerie Cunningham Michelle Leyden , my lifelong friends, and my clients: thank you for taking the time to read this and reflect with me. I hope this story, this photograph, and these thoughts inspire you—even if it’s just a 1% shift—to cherish the moments that truly matter. Remember, the small things are the big things.

Mark Twain famously said, ‘Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.’ So my advice is this: avoid the ‘if, when, then’ trap. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Live boldly. Love deeply. Laugh freely.

Smile, and the world smiles with you. Frown, and you frown alone. Let’s make the most of the time we’ve been given—to live fully, to create memories, and to leave a legacy that truly matters.

Because at the end of the day, true wealth isn’t found in what you have but in who you share it with.