Do you ever find yourself haunted by the illusion of wealth? Wondering time and time again how you will amass a great fortune? The way we gauge our personal wealth can take a devastating toll on our mental health. That’s why it’s important to define it. When you daydream about wealth, what do you see? Pools of hundred dollar bills that you can swim in? Gold coins raining from the sky? Or a mansion overlooking the ocean with fully-staffed facilities at your beck and call? I get it. Unfortunately,  you are wrong. This perception of wealth is a corruption brought on by capitalism. I’m not here to point fingers, I call it like I see it.
The original context of wealth was very different than what we have today. It didn’t center around possessions or currency. Wealth referred to well-being. I believe it still should. Stop chasing the almighty dollar and focus instead on these.

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The 3 Pillars of True Wealth

If we remove property  and currency, what are we left with?  What I call the 3 Pillars of True Wealth: Mental, Physical and Interpersonal Wealth.

Mental

Human beings have complex minds. As far as we know, some of the most complex minds out there. We think, feel, and those feelings can affect every aspect of our existence. Repeated trauma, chemical imbalances, and learned behaviors can literally shape our perception.

No matter where you are on your journey, or how rough it’s been, there is time to find emotional wealth. Seek to grow and improve and master skills that will enhance emotional capabilities. 

Physical

Guess what? In this life, we all get one body. (Well… until we learn how to clone or transfer consciousness at least.) It’s on us to take the best care possible. The healthier you are, the more prepared you are to handle what life throws at you. Do you think you’ll be patient and level-headed when running on no sleep? How easy is it to focus on the things you need to accomplish when you are sick? Treasure your physical being. Give it the proper nutrients, rest and care. A body in peak physical condition is wealthy indeed.

Interpersonal

Let me preface this by saying that, despite being a hermit myself, even I cannot deny the need for this pillar. Humans are social creatures. We truly are not meant for isolation. Many who find comfort in isolation are seeking retreat from interactions they can’t handle. I speak from experience. My social anxiety and agoraphobia didn’t follow me out of the womb. They were enforced and developed as I did. You don’t have to like everyone. I’m not saying you need to always be happy and social and out and about. You need to be able to interact effectively while also maintain your own social quotas. Interpersonal wealth is the ability to flourish alongside others. To positively contribute as part of a community. Leading rich interwoven lives and supporting others in need is the true sense of interpersonal wealth.

Building Your True Wealth

Knowing that true wealth does not come from a over inflated bank account and shiny car, we can gain perspective. We can give ourselves a fair judgment of how truly wealthy we are. By measuring the summation of your physical, mental and interpersonal wealth, you will be able to obtain the inner happiness we all strive for. Not to mention setting a beautiful example for those around you, and for future generations.

If you feel the world is going to hell in a handbasket, start building your pillars. You’ll thank me.

 

PS: Make sure to sign up for our email list below too, and I’ll send you the rest of this series as they drop!)

PPS: In case you missed them, here are the previous pieces in this series!

How To Reframe Failure: You Can’t Fail if you Don’t Quit.

How to Reframe Fear; Are You Scared or Just Unsure?

How to Reframe Success; It’s Not Them, It’s You

How to Reframe Perfection: Fiction Not Fact