Living Rich

Early in my marriage, I decided that I would rather be poor and live rich, than be rich and live poor. I am not talking about acting stuffy and stuck up. And I am not talking about going into debt to pretend you're rich. What I mean is that instead of being the kind of person who has vacation homes, recreational vehicles, travels frequently, wears expensive clothing, drives expensive cars and lets you know repeatedly that "they just aren't making it" or "can't afford" to go to a movie, I would prefer to be someone who enjoys what they have, even if it is not much or expensive, and live with a sense of "abundance". As Americans, we typically do live a much more affluent lifestyle than people in other countries. I know that I am very rich in blessings. When my husband was a student at a university, we lived in student housing. Lovely place. Cinder-block walls. But, I tried to make it homey..... There was a young couple that lived by us. They drove nice cars, they had a beautifully decorated Christmas tree (because the wife had grown up in a home where every room had a beautifully decorated tree and then each kid got their own tree when they left home) They had nice furniture. Their parents were paying for their education. But they were poor. They always told you so. I know people who actually have a million or more in the bank, but the neighbors talk about helping them out at Christmas time each year because of their dire situation. I would rather people saw me for me and not for my financial situation. Jane Seymour (Somewhere in Time, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman) wrote a book in the 80's called "Guide to Romantic Living". I asked for that book for my birthday back then. I loved it! It really went along with this idea of living rich (other than the multiple husbands). I honestly saw my surroundings as being beautiful because they meant something to me. Inherited or handed down. Pick some fabric and sew a pillow to go on the yellow couch. Use plastic patio furniture for the dining area. Having things surround you that have meaning, not just because it is the current trend, but because you love it, or it came from someone you love. Paint is a glorious thing. Sometimes the holidays can put a cramp in your wallet. Gifts can be just a handmade card, or a poem you have written, or a small treat you have baked. It really is the thought that counts. I always save wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. and use them again. Cut up old Christmas cards to make tags for presents. Give a gift certificate for a service you will provide or baked item, etc. Rich means valuable. Live a valuable life.