Reflections: What Makes You Feel Rich?
“Even the rich are hungry for love, for being cared for, for being wanted, for having someone to call their own.” Mother Teresa
Reflections: What Makes You Rich? – Sculpture Ahava by Robert Indiana
What makes you feel rich? The holiday season is in full swing now, and it’s an important time to remember what makes us feel rich. By rich, I mean what do you cherish most and why does this matter? Would you trade your health, life, family, friends, health and happiness for wealth? Yesterday was the first day of Hanukkah, next week will be Christmas, and Kwanzaa will start the day after. As we get into the spirit of all these celebrations, please take a moment to remember what truly matters and what makes all these special celebrations invaluable. Lately, as I read blogs and news reports, I read and hear about a lot of pain, loss and dejection. My heart breaks for each story, and for all the families who won’t have a place to celebrate, a tree, a bag full of gifts or a fancy meal. Please, please remember to take this season to rekindle your love and gratitude for your loved ones. Tell them honestly what you can and what you can’t afford, and let them know that LOVE – Ahava (in Hebrew) is the glue that holds you together. Gratitude for what we do have will help us find some joy in the season.
This morning, I was reading a blog post from one of my favorite bloggers and the topic gave me food for thought. I’m sharing parts of what came to me both as a comment and afterwards. I’m a big believer in maintaining a positive attitude and making choices that help us grow. I love reading blog posts, and one on being rich and/or poor got me thinking about a topic that bothers a lot of people; especially during the holiday season.
“There are people who have money and people who are rich.” Coco Chanel
Reflections: What Makes You Rich? – Grandmother and child
Why does it matter that we think about the question? We often read articles about the rich and poor and what creates both conditions. While some might say that poverty is a state of mind, there are real events that can devastate a family and push them into poverty; health, job loss, financial mishaps, disasters, poor choices, luck/timing, and other life experiences that let bad things happen to good, hardworking people. At a real estate conference I attended some years ago, Donald Trump was the keynote speaker, and he said something that has stayed with me. He told us that when people get very wealthy, many of them act like they worked harder than everyone else and made fabulous, smart choices. He shared that most people don’t like to admit to the luck factor (I call it grace) because it takes the power and all the decision out of their hands. As people whispered, “What about your wealth, your wealth, Mr. Trump?”, he informed us all that he amassed his wealth through a combination of factors: an inheritance, great personal effort, business acumen, and lucky breaks. Luck is a factor in being rich or poor, and making people feel guilty for not being financially wealthy is wrong. Yep, Donald said that and I appreciated the fact that he was speaking so honestly.
While there are some basic rules that help people win or fail, the outcomes are not so simple; there is timing, location and circumstance. In the final analysis, I will also say that being rich is a state of mind. There are wealthy people who live like paupers and have a poverty mentality, and there are people who are money conscious and still have none. It’s not so simple to ascribe wealth to hard work and poverty to laziness. If we look around us and think about it honestly, we know that hard work or even laziness won’t necessarily produce the expected outcome. If you are content with having less, have loving friends and family, have health, and love living with the simple things of life, you are richer than the next billionaire out there. The real question is: What makes you feel rich?
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“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.” Benjamin Franklin
Reflections: What Makes You Rich? – Remember the Story of the Midas Touch?
Do you remember the lesson of the Midas Touch? If you remember the famous story of King Midas and his bargain with a genie, you will remember that the lesson of that profound childhood story is to cherish people; especially our loved ones, over things. Sadly, as we get older, many of us buy into the hype and forget the facts. King Midas died miserable and alone. His beloved daughter and everything he touched turned to gold. We can’t eat or drink gold, and sure can’t take it with us. Please don’t get me wrong. I believe we can do great things to ease the pain and suffering of others when we have great wealth; especially if we don’t use it as an ego or power trip. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet come to mind as examples of billionaires using their massive wealth to help others. There are as many miserable rich people as there are poor ones. The point I’d like to make is that even if you are unable to have an extravagant holiday, make the best of what you have and share your love liberally with your loved ones and others…
Today, around the world, there are so many families struggling to make the holidays a cheerful time, under great financial constraints. If we can stop to remember that we are a blessing to our loved ones because we care about their well-being, and they about ours, that should bring some comfort. The love we share with our family, friends, and others in need is greater than any gift, any amount of money, and any glitzy thing out there. The memories I cherish are of family times together, not gifts received. If there is one thing kids remember first when they grow up, it is the love they received. Our friends and family matter more than any fancy gift or party. Have a Happy Holiday Season sprinkled with love, joy, laughter and gratitude!
Positive Motivation Tip: Life’s challenges teach us to ask questions and learn to appreciate what matters most in our lives. Use the joy and energy of this season to share your gratitude and love, while keeping hopes and dreams alive…
More Wellness Boosters/Affirmations & Resources
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Ahava – Love, Granny and Child, Gold Bars via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
What makes me feel rich is my family and the love they have for me. Christmas is a time when we spend many moments together and I love the sense of love and togetherness we experience during the couple of days.
Beautiful! Sending you and yours blessings for 2015!
My family definitely makes me feel rich. They are so much more important than money or anything else!
I have 2 little boys who love me, so I feel like the richest mom alive.
This is an excellent question. What makes me feel rich isn’t necessarily a lot of money. What makes me feel rich is simply contributing and supporting my family.
Feeling rich could be attributed to two factors, I would rather say. The first one is an external factor and it has a derogatory implication. Just like being a hypocrite. In our layman’s term, “trying hard”. This part the subject is displaying something he wants to show the world that he can afford expensive jewelries and to show the world that he is rich.
The second factor is internal. It is in the mind of a person that he wants to be rich, He has achieved by imagining things with his vain ambitions in reality he couldn’t afford it. Anyway whatever, it is as far as I know a person who is rich is a person has an eternal life. I don’t know if you agree with me? – Gil Camporazo
For sure I wouldn’t want to trade my family and friends for anything. I love them and money can’t replace happiness when I’m with them.
Rich for me does not mean actual total monetary wealth. Of course, that is one factor. But more importantly, rich means you are aware of your blessings and are content with what you have. – Fred
Amen!
This is such a wonderful post. My family and friends are what makes me feel rich.
When my kids tell me they love me.
Ohhhhh so sweet! <3
When my hubby comes home and I’m on the verge of falling over from dishes/tired/sweat/kids… and he kisses me. I am rich in love (and financial debt).
Omg love this post!!!! So important to look at what’s around you and the people and experiences!!! Those are the things that make me feel richest 😉
I feel rich because i have the love of my family. I know i am lucky to have a nice roof over my head and food in the cupboards. That make me happy and grateful.
I think this is why Filipinos are admiring. There are a lot of not-so fortunate families living in swamps, under bridges and other place dangerous because they can’t afford a better place/house. But though they don’t have a great home, they try their very best to provide something for Christmas. They decorate their homes even by just some strands of garlands and Christmas lanterns from recycled materials. And these families, though are suffering from insufficient resources, they still get to enjoy their Christmas.
This simply shows that wealth could be an issue but what really matters is the togetherness of a family. The family bond is enough to make life troubles easier. 🙂
Dear Eliz, I wish you a happy Christmas with all love and joy,
Same and blessings for 2015!
Time to enjoy myself and indulge in self care activities makes me feel rich.
I’ve never had alot of money, never needed it really. Sure we all think of winning that big lottery or PCH but really I assume it would be much more of a headache than anything else. I would love to travel around the world…and I will one day when it is my time. Right now I have other responsibilities that pull at me: taking care of my mother who has Alzheimer’s and brand new twin grandbabies, they are my daughter’s first and I know she will need me for the next while. Therein lies the difference in being “rich” and “rich”. $ rich is just a number in an account. I am rich because my mom is still alive and with us, she is safe, happy and secure. I am rich because I have two new grandbabies to shower with love and to be able to watch grow up. I am rich because even though I am “disabled”, I will never let it stop me from doing the things I love. So even if I never make it to that around the world trip I am still so very blessed in so many wonderful ways.
I think everybody can be rich not just by materials things but even with fiends, family, knowledge and a lot more. These are more important that the first example mentioned.
Very thought provoking post. Having the love of my fiance an son makes me feel rich. I’d rather be happy with them and poor than without them and rich.
I stumbled upon this article and it was like meant to be. Life is a kind of journey that you actually make. Everything from happiness to richness are all but a person’s state of mind. We all sometimes feel happy and rich and that’s when we are able to achieve something. It is indeed like “MIDAS TOUCH” the ability to turn anything into gold. Like in our homes, we might have less in terms of material possessions but if you look at the people behind what we call HOME you are rich enough have them. You turn your humble home into gold by simply knowing you have your family that make you feel you have everything in the world already. And the most literal definition of “MIDAS TOUCH” turning a piece of penny into thousands or millions by simply working hard and saving. It depends on a person’s ability and mindset.It all boils down to “OPTIMISM.” by being positive you will never feel poor or poorer.
Beautifully shared! Thank you for your comment Sheila! 🙂
I feel rich when all my needs are fulfilled, But i know even if my needs are fulfilled i may not be happy. What i want is the feeling of peace and satisfaction in my life. Thanks for sharing such a motivation article.
I really love this post! What a great quote from Coco Chanel. I agree with Donald Trump about “luck” being a big factor in someone’s success as well. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.
money or wealth is not everything, what makes me feel rich is my family, people around me and love!
I always feel rich with love and care from family and friends. I feel rich when I have the time to do the things i wanted to do. I count riches by the number of true friends a person has and the number people the person helps. -katrina centeno
I hope everyone reads this. Very inspiring. My family is the source of my richness
the love of my family and friends…that’s what I consider true wealth! http://www.gregdemcydias.com
I really love the quote and it is so very true. I enjoy seeing your posts. Thanks for sharing.
Amen to that. Gotta love inspiring words and quotes such as the ones that you’ve shared.
My friends and family is what makes me feel rich.
I definitely feel that rich can mean lots of different things. I may not be “rich” money wise, but I am definitely rich with the love that others surround me with. And that’s more important than money to me.
Family, friends and lots of love make me feel rich! Without that I would be lost
You’re right, it is the people who make the holiday celebrations invaluable. Without them, all of the tangible things that are oh so nice (and they really are oh so nice) would not hold the same kind of special. I am very grateful for my people. 🙂
It is interesting to think about. I know my family and love makes me rich!
when my son curls up on me after a long day – that’s all that matters.
For me, I am rich because I have a lot of people looking out for me. I am rich because I have gained more treasured experiences, and have shared my wisdom to others as well.
Seeing my family happy and healthy makes me feel rich. Having a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a good movie to cuddle to makes me feel rich. Having my soulmate in my life definitely makes me feel rich.
Life is full of riches. Those that find them will treasure them the most. Wonderful post!
Love has always been important to me! I love to love and be loved. Whenever my girls say I love you I am the richest woman in the world!
The richest person is the one who is most content. we can have everything yet still want more or we can have a little but end up being perfectly happy.
The richest person is the one who is most content. People can have everything and still end up wanting more and some people can have a few and still end up perfectly happy.
I love this blog, Elizabeth. Yes, it’s really a matter of perspective. We’ve gone through some really really tough financial times, and I have to admit, I’ve felt sorry for myself and for my children more than once; but somehow,it had helped us distinguish the things that truly matter from those that only provide temporary happiness.
Rich or poor in the end of the day we are just people who try to find happiness in the world!
I would agree. Some people are richer than they think they are. It’s important really, to be mindful of the blessings and wealth that you have in life. And appreciate them everyday. These things keep you motivated and live each day with a smile. 🙂
Everything are spot on! I may not have the money that people may think rich. Yet, I am totally contented and happy with my life. The power of Love is more powerful than money.
I love this wonderful post. A wealthy mind set is what determines us to feel rich. Love, Care, Sharing, Giving back is all we need to live with than money. Really inspiring.
I really enjoyed your post. It’s a good reminder to be grateful and aware of everything we do have. The health and happiness of my family and friends makes me feel rich. Being able to provide a warm home with cupboards stocked makes me feel even better!
Personally different things make me feel rich at different times. Sometimes, it is a friend’s hug, sometimes it is indulging in gajar ka halwa (it is an Indian sweet) and sometimes it is having enough money in my bank account to buy the things I love 🙂
Totally agreed that appreciate what matters most in our lives is most important. Thx for the motivational stories.
My two kids make me feel rich. I took the challenge to raise them without the financial or spiritual support of their father, I have gone through many obstacles in raising them but all the hardship I suffered is worth it when I look at their smiling faces.
I feel rich in intangible ways than I can ever imagine. Sometimes, human mind only measure richness by the material things one owns but if you really analyze the whole thing, the love of your family and friends, a good health, a job you really love, a nice home to put a roof on your head, a warm bed to get cozy at night, pets to de-stress you after a long day at work, the beauty of nature and simply waking up each morning as the day start are already wealth in itself. I feel rich because of those immeasurable stuff that money can’t put a price tag on.
As long as my family is happy and healthy, then I am rich!
Such a nice post! It sure is everything in our state of mind!
Much agree with your post and I love how inspiring and motivating is your post! <3 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I feel as you do; that love is more important than anything money can buy. Also, that my most memorable and cherished moments in life are of time spent with my family. I no longer have my precious Mom or Dad and I lost 2 dear sisters this past year. I lost my very dear son-in-law the year after I lost my Dad. All of them are thought of many times throughout the day; our one on one heart to heart conversations and our family gatherings too. I have great memories of my grandparents too! Especially during the holidays.
My heartfelt condolences to you on the recent loss of your sisters. Words are never enough to convey what we’d love to say to a loved one or to those grieving. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Many blessings in 2015! 🙂
I feel rich when I save a bit from each pay cheque
I agree with Mother Teresa’s quote. It’s not money that makes you happy, it’s love. Inspiring blog.
What makes me rich is just enjoying the company of my friends and family. I don’t need money but just spending time with those who I love is more precious and rewarding then money.
Love, love love this!! I am definitely blessed to be rich in love! I agree with you….positivity is so important, but there definitely has to be some sort of “right place at the right time” involved.
What makes me rich is to appreciate all the good things around me such as fresh air, fresh water, plants, animals, and my family.
I love that Mother Theresa quote..😘 It is just so fair thinking. We should consider knowing somebody before getting jealous. Everything is not given to a single person. Everyone has a desire that they can’t get. Love this.
very inspiring and wise. I can’t think of money here in any way: healthy family makes me feel rich and happy
My family with a good health are the things that make me rich, nothing can match any material thing!
The grass is always greener on the other side. This is what crosses my mind when I read that Mother Theresa’s quote. She is always so motivating.. Love it.
I feel rich when I am contented with what I have. Whether that means I have a lot or a little, I am grateful either way because I am always reminded that there are millions who have even less.
Being rich is not only been seen by Golds or money. Because some people get rich because of fame, some are because they have a lot of friend. some rich in peace of mind. some rich in idea. in short. Not all the rich people based on their money. Because for me What would you do in your money. If you are so lonely. Thanks for this inspiring post of yours!
I try to spread out my spending all year long but I completely get what your trying to say about putting family time before anything else.
Thank you for this positive motivation. We always need to assess where our hearts belong because sometimes they may be swayed by wrong ideas.
The connections I make in this life make me feel rich and grateful. It is not the possessions that bring the riches and allow us to develop into a bloom that gives and shares. LOVE is the only that remains.