Redefining the Meaning of Wealth

Sunset over The Hollywood Hills

One thing that never ceases to amaze me, along with the growth of vegetation from the earth and of hair from the head, is the growth of understanding. –Alice Walker

It’s been almost six months since I was laid off from my previous job which translates into six months of reduced income. As I reflect back on this past half year, I realize my situation is turning into a great voyage of self discovery because I’m learning things that are making me a stronger person both spiritually and emotionally. More importantly, I’m finding out that I’m a very wealthy person no matter what amount of money I’m making. As I learn to define wealth in new ways, I’m taking it one day at time, accepting change, and welcoming new experiences. Some of my reflections on this are below:

Taking It One Day at a Time

I find life a bit easier when I take it one day at a time. Whenever I start encountering fears about whether or not I will ever work again or being evicted because we can’t pay rent, I’m reminded of Scarlett O’Hara’s famous quote in Gone With the Wind –

“I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

Now I don’t mean to sound irresponsible but worrying will not make anything go away or get better. Every day I acknowledge that I’m ok for today and I wake up the next day and repeat the process. I’m learning to live in the now and not worry about worst case scenarios because chances are they will never happen. And if they do, well I’ll deal with them when they get here.

Accepting Change

The only constant in life is change. It’s the one thing I can always count on and my situation will continue to change many times going forward. Sometimes it will be good and sometimes it will be bad. It’s all just part of the process and the more I can roll with what life sends my way, the more accepting I can be of the things I have no control over.

Every day, something around me changes. Whether it’s the increase in the price of food at the supermarket or a natural disaster, I have no control. What I can control is how I accept the change going on around me. I don’t have to like it. I may even work to change it, but I have to accept it and feel it before I can move on. Whenever the feelings I encounter seem to be a bit much, I keep in mind the phrase “this too shall pass” and you know what? It does!

Welcoming New Experiences

Every experience in life teaches us something new and contributes to who we are as people. Being unemployed is just one experience in the many more that await me in this life. I can get upset about it or I can see it as a way to grow. I have no idea where I’m going or what will happen to me. Some days I worry what the future will bring and I feel uncomfortable. However, I’m learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s part of being human. Who are any of us to think that life will always be easy and cushy?

So for now, I’m keeping it simple. I have the basics covered- a place to live and food to eat. I’m in love, I’m healthy and I have great friends and family. For today, my needs are met and I am just fine!