Sometimes it takes a real kick in the ass to put things about life into perspective. Over the past year, life was seriously kicking my ass, but some how I managed to keep going and not give up. Those experiences have left me deeply humbled. Here are a few things that I have learned and most of them I will continue to live by.
1. Money CAN contribute to happiness. And what I mean by happiness is being able to afford a decent roof over my kids’ heads, having good food on the table and having a safe place for them to play, feel comfortable and be happy. Money is needed for these things, therefore money is a factor in the equation of happiness.
2. Unless I win a multi-million dollar lottery, I will never be financially wealthy. But come to think of it, I am wealthy. I have a wealth of family and friends that I can turn to for emotional support. And most importantly, I have two beautiful little girls that provide me with a wealth of laughter, joy and diva drama. Therefore, I AM wealthy.
3. I DON’T need a BMW, a 4,000 sq. foot house, and a vacation home in Lake Tahoe. My Ford truck and small house will suffice.
4. You CAN live on the bare minimum. Minimal usage of electricity, gas and other consumables. I’ve made $5 stretch an entire week. It was tough, but I did it.
5. Work is…. work. I have finally realized that I am one of few people that actually enjoy what they do for a living. Granted, I’ll never get rich from being a graphic designer, but how cool is it to get paid to make things pretty?
Like I said, life changing events can make a person “wake up and smell the coffee” as they say. The events in my life have made me, and will continue to make me, better, stronger, and faster.
Things are in perspective now. I am focused. *fists on waist as cape blows in the wind*
Stay tuned…
March 5th, 2010 on 5:12 pm
I thought I was the only one who had made $5 last a week. Thanks United States Air Force. (haven’t done it in a while, but Airman’s pay sucks)
March 5th, 2010 on 9:33 pm
$5 for a whole week – damn, that’s impressive.
I enjoy my work – it drives my wife crazy. “Why do you want to go into the office?” I like what I do and who I work with. When you have that, it feels less like work. It’s amazing.
Troubling times show our grit, resolve and determination. Here’s to hoping that the next year kicks your ass a lot less.
March 8th, 2010 on 6:49 am
Why couldn’t you get rich from being a graphic designer?? It’s a skill, like a plumber or electrician. Just come up with something outstanding and you’re the bees-knees man.
March 8th, 2010 on 9:28 am
it’s always nice when you have an awakening moment like that…a moment of clarity. i think you’re wealthy too. esp with those girls
March 9th, 2010 on 8:05 am
Perspective is a funny thing. I chased fortune for a number of years, and came close once, but in the end like you said the wealth we possess in our families is irreplaceable.
May 14th, 2010 on 8:08 pm
My first stop by and there is this? Something so awesome. Kudos big daddy. I sat my kids down one day and explained wants and needs and we made a list. ( katrina helped us “get real”) anyway point is, I think our generation worked hard to have it all, and now as we get (ahem) older, we realize, wow, having it all is cool but means nothing without the things you NEED. So hang in there. And yes you are a wealthy man indeed.
May 19th, 2010 on 7:46 am
Perspective is a funny thing. I chased fortune for a number of years, and came close once, but in the end like you said the wealth we possess in our families is irreplaceable.