Are You Rich? Here's Why We Need to Start a New Definition of "Rich" for the Next Generation by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

Mindfulness
6 years ago

Are You Rich? Here's Why We Need to Start a New Definition of "Rich" for the Next Generation

I talk to thousands of children every school year, sharing my journey and struggles to attain my dream life. At the end, I often get asked, “Are you rich?” Teachers don’t like that question, but I love it.

I reply, “Some days, I get to make up stories and write them down and paint pictures about those stories. Other days, I get to travel to entertain and inspire children across the country. I also have to do parts of my business that aren’t fun, like paying bills, accounting and paper work. But mostly, I get to do things that light my heart up inside like sunshine. I make enough money to pay my bills, help pay for my children to go to college and, if I save, I can take vacations. Do I have a giant house, lots of cars or a private plane, or enough money that I don’t ever have to work again? Nope. But, I get to wake up to do things that I love, work hard and share what I love with others. I think that’s the definition of rich. I’d say I’m richer than I ever thought I’d be.”

I bet if you think about it, you’re rich, too. Let’s all embody the richness of our lives for our children and give them a new definition of rich to aspire to.

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Tiffany Zook
I've witnessed one of the world's poorest nations have people with the most joyous hearts. Being rich begins with having joy, and as you said, sharing it with others.
Michelle Nelson-Schmidt
Yes, yes, YES!! A million times this! Joy is the true measure of wealth!
Stacey Roberts
That’s Fiji exactly. We have gone several times mostly for Christmas. We love the way they celebrate the holiday in its true sense. They are Christians in its simplest form and certainly never force it on you or judge you if you’re not. And they have the biggest belly laughs I’ve ever heard and are always singing. So humbling!
Elisa Schmitz
Oh, how I love this! Yes, Michelle Nelson-Schmidt , you are rich rich rich. As are so many of us who look at life through this beautiful lens. Thank you for sharing your joy with us. It's contagious! xoxo
Ann Marie Patitucci
I just love this, Michelle Nelson-Schmidt ! I get asked that at author visits too. Our answers are similar. :)
Stephanie Cannoe
I love your perspective and feel similarly!! My youngest was asked, 'What would you do if you had a million dollars,'...and he said, I'd be rich. Plain and simple., but he had no sense of what that truly means. I posed the question differently and helped him discover what does it really means to be rich to him. And after a lot of toys being bought,...he was on the right track!
Pam McCormick
YES! It's all about mindset, positive thinking and gratitude. Blessings are all around us if we pay attention.... Thanks so much for this inspiring tip. :-)
Bill James
You can make heaven or hell out of being a teacher. Making the former is often harder, but worth the extra work.
Direct Mail Lists
I talk to thousands of children every school year, sharing my journey and struggles to attain my dream life. Some say income inequality is a myth. Other say the poor haven't gotten any poorer, though the rich did get richer, so everything is fine.

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