What Do "Wealth" and "Prosperity" Mean to You?

These past couple of years, it seems like there have been many articles and news stories to the effect that we are entering "an age of prosperity."

As always, I take most such statements with a grain of salt... especially as I look around me and see so many people struggling, even with the basics of life.

How can living in a state where you constantly wonder whether you'll be able to pay your electricity bill be classified as "prosperity?"

Pundits are quick to point out that we are better off — as a "collective" — than we were 50 years ago, and then go on to cite a whole list of inventions that allegedly are making our lives better, from mobile phones to computers to self-driving cars.

I remain somewhat skeptical, although without becoming outright dismissive of the idea.

But what does "wealth" actually look like? And what does "prosperity" actually look like?

From my perspective, prosperity really isn't about "how much money and stuff" you have, but about whether our not you feel secure and happy with your place in life.

Doesn't your work make you happy? Do you have nice friends, and a loving family? Are you able to do the things you really want to? Do you feel "free," or do you somehow feel restricted?

Looking back as far as I can remember, I can't say that I have ever had dreams or aspirations of becoming rich, whatever that means.

I just wanted to reach a place in life where I didn't feel anxious and filled with worry about whether or not I could make ends meet, this month.

Coming from Scandinavia — generally regarded as a very well-off part of the world — I find it slightly odd and alarming to be living in the USA and so often having to worry about poverty as a very real possibility.

I had lots of hope when I came to the USA, and not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would actually become homeless, for a while. It was only three months... but still!

As I see life these days... having rounded 60 years of age — prosperity means nothing more than not having to worry, on a daily basis. Wealth means knowing that I have enough to make it through my final couple of decades on this planet without having to wonder whether there will be cat food on the menu, during my decline.

When we take the time to sit and reflect on it, maybe that's all most of us really want...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great remainder of your week!

How about you? What does "wealth" mean to YOU? What do you think "prosperity" is? Do you feel like it is within your reach? Or do you already have it? Leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

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Created at 2024.01.09 00:27 PST
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