How to Live on a limited income and still be happy and feel rich: Wealth Is All Around You.
Posted: Tuesday, July 27, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
When I was a child and/or a teenager, I would always go to my Dad when I needed money. If I asked for a $1.00, my Dad would give me $2.00. He would give me double the amount of money I asked for. Each time that happened, I never expected to get more than I asked for. Thus, my Daddy made me feel rich.
"Abundance is about being rich with or without money." Suze Orman
I never heard Daddy complain about the endless hours he worked. It wasn't known beyond our family that Daddy packed up boxes of groceries to give to others and other charitable things that I wasn't even aware of.
When the stock market goes down and our retirement funds are dwindling, I remind myself that we have "plenty," thanks to Daddy's teachings. We have food, shelter and clothing quite a good life. It doesn't do any good to lament over money lost.
Suze Orman said, "A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life."
Suze Orman
What is wealth?
I live on a limited retirement income. What may seem trivial to others is a wonderful gift to me. The past few days for me have been filled with wealth presented to me. For instance, my insurance company telephoned me to announce that I would be given two gifts; one because my cholesterol was good (146) and the other because I had a comprehensive eye examination. Two days prior to that, I discovered a great telephone that has all the bells and whistles for $20.00 plus the fact that I am also getting a $10.00 gift certificate to Applebees.
Then, yesterday I drove to my doctor's office to tell them that their telephone was out of order. By the time I arrived at the office, the telephone had been repaired. However, there was a sign in the office that read, "Free Take as many magazines as you want." The magazines were piled on a chair. Much to my surprise, many of the magazines were current and had great recipes and articles.
Wikipedia describes wealth, as abundance of valuable resources or material possessions or the control of such assets but my view of wealth is gifts all around; magazines, telephones and even a good sale at the mall.
Let us take it a step further and include in the meaning of wealth, these words: happiness, peace, joy and love. The following quote eloquently explains this: Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but also is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer.
Eckhart Tolle
~Henry David Thoreau said: "Wealth is the ability to fully experience life."
How Can We Attract Wealth?
I know someone who according to Wikipedia's meaning of wealth falls into the category of wealthy. This person travels, constantly is buying things but because she doesn't appreciate these things and finds no joy whatsoever in life, I would not classify her as wealthy. There is no gratitude ever expressed by this person. She turns off people because of constant complaining. She sees no wealth anywhere, so therefore she is not wealthy, according to what I believe. If we are not grateful, how can we experience wealth?
Rhonda Byrne, the author of Secrets said, "Be grateful for what you have now. As you begin to think about all the things in your life you are grateful for, you will be amazed at the never-ending thoughts that come back to you of more things to be grateful for. You have to make a start, and then the law of attraction will receive those grateful thoughts and give you more just like them."
Our thoughts make us wealthy, as Chuck Danes expressed: " Do not under estimate the Power Of Thoughts. Just as water has the power to shift and mold earths landscape, our thoughts have the power to shift and mold the landscape of your life"
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Very good insights and info Fran - also, the attitude of your heart shines through here!
Good article, great father. Thnx 4 sharing
I am happy for you that wealth has made you more humble. You're right, how can one be wealthy if you're not enjoying the things you have.
Not all the gold in the world is worth the price of your soul- some people spend all their time chasing fame and fortune until their soul becomes atrophic and sick, resulting in terrible unhappiness- and they don't know why... It's like putting a neon colored-happy-faced bandaid over an infected wound. I enjoyed this article- extremely prescient- Always- Ella
fran, well stated.i can't think of anyone who cannot use your advice.i guess wealth is like freedom-a state of mind.-bing
Learning how to be content with what you have and be happy at the same time is an invaluable skill that everyone should develop. Great article.
Your father sounds like a wonderful man, Fran, this is a really nice tribute to him. I love your broader definition of wealth, and I agree with it. You've got some wonderful quotes here.
Fran, This is super! If I were to ask you whether your cup was half full or half empty, I'm sure I'd know your answer. You see optimism and hope and good things (or wealth) all around you. Possibly you've gained such wise insight over the years of experience. Makes no different, you've got it! And it's all great. Thank you for yet another excellent article. It makes me feel wealthy and blessed, too. Heidi
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