What does it mean to be rich?
It’s really up to you to determine what it means for you. By most standards many folks living in the United States are monetarily rich. Even if you’re living at what is considered the poverty level of income in the U.S. you are still considered wealthy when compared to other countries. The media and those around us push us to believe that material wealth is what matters.
What are some ways to change the way that we think about true wealth and riches?
Here are some areas in no particular order to focus on that can lead to living a richer life.
- Relationships – Having your family and friends around may be the greatest of the factors, at least in my book, is a key area. Cultivating relationships and having those around that you care about will enrich your life. Aim to be helpful, loving, humble, and a blessing to everyone.
- Experiences – Having the resources to do the things that you and your family want to do is another important aspect of a rich life. Time is our most valuable resource so let’s think about how we spend every hour of every day. Experiencing life with those that you love is a wonderful way to use your limited time.
- Occupation – Being rich means you’re free to work at your own schedule and love what you do so much that you don’t think of it as work. Having the ability to work whenever and wherever you like may be another factor or indicator of leading a rich life. Not having the constraints of a traditional day job is the ultimate lifestyle for a lot of people. If you love what you’re doing and don’t feel like you’re working while making money then you’ve got it right in that area as well.
- Possessions – Having the resources to buy things that you and your family want or need is something that means you’re leading a rich life. Owning a lot of nice things is not a key indicator of being rich but having the ability in time and money to bless others with their needs and not worry about your necessities is one. The way I see it, it’s okay to have a treat or spend on things that you care about deeply like a nice family vacation. Be careful with obsessing over stuff because and putting your identity in things. Stuff can own you instead of you owning it.
Maybe you’re already ‘rich’. Think about all that you’ve accomplished and what you already have. Are you healthy? Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have friends and loved ones around? If you answered yes to these questions then I’d say that you are leading a rich life. By taking the focus off of how many things and how much money we have and directing that attention to the things that are not material such as relationships and experiences will help you to redefine the term rich.
Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll talk about how leading a thankful life will lead to living a rich life. Grounding your life in gratitude will lead to fulfillment and happiness.
