I have gotten to know a wide variety of people in my life. I have found myself in many different types of financial situations. I am relatively content now, even though I am not considered wealthy by the world's standard, Let me explain why.
See, I was raised in a home where we all were trained from 'the get go' to be hard workers. I learned early that the amount income you make does not reflect how hard you work in life or else my dad would have been a millionaire many times over. But I can tell you this, hard workers are respected and there is no purchase price on that.
I have a girlfriend that I enjoy very much, who was raised much like I was, but now she and her hubby have quite a big income. The financial status never bothered me or her for that matter, when it comes to our friendship. But one day she said to me that she hates where she lives. It is a rather nice neighborhood and in a wealthy part of town. I asked her why she felt this way. Her home is gorgeous and similar to the surrounding ones. Yet she felt that all she can ever see is the contrast in her and her neighborhood's financial status.
I have to admit, I didn't even think about the contrast between her and myself until later, but instead, my heart went out to her. I told her to look at the big picture. She had a great husband, an elegant home, a loving and talented son and much more than most. Yet all she could see was what she felt she was lacking.
When I left for my drive home that day I had a revelation of my very own. I thought to myself that I best figure out how to look at my 'own' big picture. That is why I self evaluate, I don't want to concentrate on my back pocket, the seat I drive behind or the mirror in the hall. Life is bigger than me, and I am here to contribute to my corner. It's not an ego boost; it's just living a good life.
It's seeing the big picture.
