Don't go getting all excited about the title of today's post! No I don't have any money to loan you. I'm scraping by these days by the skin of my teeth as it is. Regardless, I'm one of the richest people I know.
I find it amazing that people who are on the outside looking into someone else's life, are so quick to jump to conclusions and assumptions. I have worked hard and struggled financially my whole life. At my 30 year high school reunion, a former classmate asked: "social worker...house in France-what part of this just doesn't fit?" When I've met friends of friends or family of friends, I've become "the one with the house in France." But the comment that riled me the most was: "She must be rich."
I've learned over time that most people just don't get it. I've often been in the right place at the right time and have rarely turned down an opportunity. Some might call me a "risk-taker", but trust me...each risk I have taken was fully calculated. Some might call me "lucky" and certainly have, but I've come to understand that much of what comes to us in our lives, comes to us because of who we are as people. Comments like those discount our very core, our essential selves. They discount how hard we may have worked and also discount those situations where we have received support from family and friends. In my case, my parents have been there for me in incredible ways-especially after the levees broke in New Orleans. So give some thought before you're quick to judge or make assumptions about others. As for me, the next time I hear one of those comments that riles me up so much; I'm going to stop and say: "You know what, you are absolutely right. I am rich. But I'm not rich in dollars and cents. I'm rich in experiences, romance, magic and an incredibly large life that continues to be full of surprises around every turn." I am REALLY RICH!
Both of you make me even richer...I love it when you think something is as good as it can get...and it gets better!
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | September 30, 2009 at 06:20 PM
yes you are rich, rich with experience, rich with friendliness, and rich with words.. Love it!!
Posted by: Anne A | September 30, 2009 at 04:55 PM
I love that you included a photo of the little boat that you can see from your upstairs windows! Anyone who can enjoy that view from their window is truly rich. And what was that line from "It's a Wonderful Life?" Something about a man (or woman!) who has friends will never be poor! Dear Laury...you will never be poor!
Posted by: Evelyn Jackson | September 30, 2009 at 03:18 PM