Are you rich or are you living paycheck-to-paycheck like 80% of Americans nowadays? If you asked me, Are You Rich? I AM! I recently posted Are You Happy and Content, to which I answered in a long winded way … no.
My message wasn’t about self-pity, or loathing, but a notion of wonderment. I have moments of happiness, and making strides towards contentment, as summarized by my phrase, #keepdigging.
This morning as I was reviewing my itinerary for the day, I had an epiphany. I will be meeting up my financial advisor to discuss the fact, I’m not financially independent – not even close. However, my epiphany was that I am RICH.
Define Rich
I should define “rich” for you so that my message isn’t misconstrued.
- having a great deal of money or assets; wealthy. “every day the gap between the rich and the poor widens”
- (of a country or region) having valuable natural resources or a successful economy.
- of expensive materials or workmanship; demonstrating wealth.
- generating wealth; valuable. “
- plentiful; abundant. “the nation’s rich and diverse wildlife”
I do not have a great deal of money or assets. However, I do have an abundance of love, which if the Beatles are correct, “All You Need Is Love”. That? That, my friends, is why I say I’m rich.
Seriously.
I work hard on having a positive impact on others’ lives with each and every encounter, whether it’s the first time or the millionth time! My intention is when you hear my name that it brings a smile to your face because you know me, or friends.
I’m rich because I usually have a smile on my face, and a song in my heart. I have friends and family that love me, respect me, support me, and only want the best for me. I don’t need currency in my wallet or bank account to be rich.
I was inspired by a conversation I had with my friend, Brian, last night. We were discussing what-might-have-been with stock IPOs in his living room of his new house purchase. I casually mentioned I had an opportunity for Google IPOs that I passed on, as I offered up my email address to him so he could forward an invoice. He lamented about his Facebook IPO opportunity.
All the while I could hear his beautiful wife, and family, down the hallway laughing and discussing general life stuff. Money can’t buy that kinda happiness. Sure, it would be nice, and make our lives more comfortable but it wouldn’t make us richer.
We both knew it, too. I said those right and proper goodbyes before I clamored into my vehicle. I had a besmirched smile on my face in the rear view mirror. I may not have that stock-market-money or that family, but I’m still rich.
So Spaceship Earth, I’ve gotta ask. Are you rich?
los, Fil-Am Renaissance Man 