What makes us rich?

People say that Things get more important as we age.

We all start out in our youth with dreams and ideals and definitions of wealth, happiness, what we need in life ~ who we want to be as a person and what we want in a career, in a partnership and what ease of life means to us.

A few examples of the definitions from a 20+ year old me were: (adjust for your thoughts)

• Stuff:  Travel, nice home, all the toys, nice car, nice clothes, shoes …
• My Self:  Fit, tanned, active, adventurous, confident, sexy …
• My Partner:  Humorous, Loving, Responsible, Responsive, Fit, Handsome//Sexual, Well Off …

There are people that achieve all the above.  They are “The Beautiful People.” Let’s not confuse them with The Happy People that have everything they want and are totally fulfilled with or without all of the above stuff.  (Some have both ~ and good for them! Very rare though.)

I don’t believe that these definitions are the be-all-and-end-all of what makes us happy.

The vast majority of us do not Get It All and everyone … Everyone, has challenges.

So, your Life doesn’t go the first way .. you don’t get all of those things.

For me, those ‘Important Things’ have evolved.

Just as my life has evolved. As I age (I am a few decades past the 20s), my values and what I look for has changed.  It has become more realistic, not because I have settled, but because my definition of what is important has changed. Every life follows a different path.

And that is OK.  In fact it can be Great!

Now, you don’t want to lower the bar so that these are your only comparative goals:

• Stuff:  Margarine tubs as bowls
• My Self:  Whatever
• My Partner:  Some hair and most of their teeth ..

That Bar is Too Low !!!!

Here is how I have evolved on these issues:

• Stuff:  I only need food, shelter and clothing – brands do not mean anything to me, quality items that serve me without breaking the budget and a safe home and comfort and food everyday.
• My Self:  I still want to be the best I can be – I try to exercise and be reasonably healthy but do not diet, do not stress about 5 pounds that goes up and down as life evolves and I take care of my skin and teeth.  I do new things in my life and step out of my comfort zone whenever the opportunity is presented to me to keep me interested and interesting. (see Great Deeds post)
• My Partner:  Mine still has most of his hair and good teeth.  (Lol – he is so very handsome and sexy! I am fortunate.)  I am ‘nagging’ him somewhat to ensure that he is taking care of his skin but it is a work in progress.

Bottom line here is that my definition of Wealth and What I Need in Life has changed so very much – here is where it is right now:

• Health for myself and my loved ones
• Having loved ones / family / friends
• And …
• Never having to own a pair of socks again in my life ~ happy toes are bare toes.  (Extrapolate what you will from that.)

That’s it.

That’s all I want – Life can become simpler and less stressful when you release all of the things that you think you are supposed to want ~ all of the things you thought you needed.

If you happen to be one of the Beautiful People, so very happy for you!

I have realized that life success is truly subjective.

Dive down into what would Really make you Happy.

Strive for that. I am going to.