Differently Wealthy

     About a year ago I had an epiphany: I’m not broke. I realized that there were a myriad of ways to be wealthy, genuinely wealthy, that surpass anything I could ever achieve financially. It’s a common enough sentiment to think of love and health in terms of wealth, but how often do we actually sit down quantify, protect, avoid debt, forecast, and actively grow our wealth in love and health? And what about things like time, energy, will, and spirit? Don’t they also count as a type of wealth? After all, the idea of being a healthy billionaire with absolutely no free time does not sound appealing.

     I think we have wellspring of transactions going on in our lives that deserve our attention and consideration. I think the picture is bigger than money.

     Here’s my list, so far, of all the ways we could be Differently Wealthy:

Belongings: having things like games, tools, toys, books
Community: experiencing a sense of belonging, and connectedness to one or more groups
Energy: experiencing passion, drive, excitement, interest
Family: having one or several people bonded by blood or marriage

Friends: having one or several deeply rewarding connections

Health: having freedom of movement, freedom from pain, freedom from disease
Intelligence: having the ability to think critically, to learn, to research
Love: having the ability to experience it, the ability to give it
Money: having cash, savings, assets
Skill or Talent: being able to fixing things, play an instrument, a good listener
Spirituality: having a deep relationship with the unknown or unseen
Time: having a flexible or free schedule, youth, or good time management skills
Will:  having the ability to take an idea and turn it into reality, to direct change or personal growth in our own lives

     Money is such a tiny factor when it comes to all the things that I think that makes us valuable to others in a relationship, and when it comes to all the things that are at risk if we don’t manage them thoughtfully.

     Most of us would not be reckless with our money in a relationship. Even if we are extremely generous, we still likely have some thought or boundaries on the subject. We know to be cautious, to consider ulterior motives, and usually to not ever give more than we can afford least we set the stage for future resentment.

     I would never give money to someone if I knew it would enable recklessness in them. So I can’t help but wonder why I would be so thoughtless with things that I have that I value far more than money, like my time.

     I can’t help but wonder how my life would change if I gave significant thought to and GRATITUDE for the ridiculously deep wellspring of other “Wealths” in my life. What if I managed and planned my time the way I budgeted my money? What if I had a long term and short term goal for my energy? What if I invested more intentionally in my friends and family? What if I gave love more respect and more power over my life?

     These are the questions I hope to answer in my blog. I hope you will find value here and join me in this exciting journey.