True Wealth: Words to Live By

When I travel, I take the opportunity to catch up on my reading. Recently, I was reading the August issue of Ebony magazine. The issue is focused on Wealth and provides some valuable information on financial freedom and security. The editor is Amy DuBois Barnett and I enjoy reading her editor's column. She gave some profound comments that I want to share here about wealth because they are words to live by.

"True wealth isn't about the stuff you collect; its about your ability to enjoy the wonderful experiences that life has to offer. Some of those experiences may require more resources than others. Sending your child off to college is an experience that will require significant funds. Taking a long walk at sunset with someone you love will not. And take it from me: Your personal contentment won't increase relative to the number of red-bottomed shoes in your closet. But if you wear any pair of shoes to a restaurant to meet good friends or night of great conversation, that's pricesless." Amy DuBois Barnett

Ms. Barnett gave 5 tips that will help you create a rich and layered life:

1. Give your time to someone who needs it.Help a friend in need of a shoulder, mentor a youth, etc.
2. Make it a point to travel to somewhere you have never been before, whether it is a nearby park or trip to South America
3. Talk to a loved one about an issue that has been brewing the two of you. Apologize if you need to in order to clear the air and move on.
4. Go get some culture, ie see a play, visit a museum, read a book, listen to music
5. Love your own body, move around till you sweat, then buy healthy vegetables and cook yourself a good meal.



It's Leo Season!

I love August as its my birthday month. I'm celebrating each day this month treating myself to something special.  And it does not mean I have to buy myself something although I plan to do that too. Things as simple as eating healthy is treating my body special, working out is treating my body and spirit special, being nice to others is treating my spirit special., etc.  We should all strive to enjoy life and celebrate ourselves. So you all my LEOs, you were made to be special and therefore you should always treat yourself special.

The Joy of Watching Others Living Life

       Last week I had a fabulous time in Miami. While there I soaked in the sun, took dips in the pool and the ocean and just enjoyed the night breeze. I certainly was not alone in my enjoyment. One day as I was walking to the beach, I saw a older gentleman and his wife on the boardwalk. They were headed to the beach but it took him some time because he was on a walker and moving very slow. I watched them for some time as he slowly made his way down the steps and then the many steps across the sand to reach the water. It seemed to be such an ordeal for him but he still did it because he must have really wanted to see the beach and enjoy it the best he could. His wife was right by his side every step of the way and once they were done they made the trek back up through the sand and onto the steps and the boardwalk. The man didn't let his circumstances keep him from enjoying the beautiful sun and beach.

       Later that night, I was at a party for one of the candidates running for the bar association president.  I noticed an older couple there who were using scooters to get around. When one particular song came on which must have been from the 70s era, they rose out of their scooters with canes in hand and were doing the gig with no cares in the world. Once again, a couple enjoying life to the fullest. When I looked at these couples, I felt joy inside for them and glad that they were enjoying their life. We all have some circumstances or issues to face but it is how we handle them that makes the difference.

ENJOY LIFE ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!