Things That Make You Rich (Part 1: Flowers)
Years ago, I read the book I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi. I believe I had heard about it through one of The Minimalists Podcast’s episodes, when the author was a guest.
The title suggests a book purely about finances, or quickly making money. But in reality, much of the book was about encouraging the reader to figure out and focus on the things that are important to them. About what makes them live their version of a rich life.
It’s about what you value in life, and putting your resources (money, time, energy, etc.) into those things. And conversely, not wasting said resources on things that do not rank high on your list of values.
Don’t get me wrong, there is also a lot of financial education in the book. But the thing that seemed to stick with me the most, was the encouragement to picture what a rich life looks like to me. To consider even the little things that would add value to my life. The things that maybe didn’t even cost very much.
When I considered this, one of the first things I thought of was to have fresh flowers in the house.
Now, maybe it was the middle of winter and I was having the case of the grays. But the truth is, having a bouquet of fresh cut flowers in the house always brings a little brightness to my day.
Every time I walk by, I pause, even briefly, to admire the beauty.
I smile, in admiration, of how those flowers have brightened the room.
Flowers have an impressive ability to reduce stress, boost happiness, and promote a sense of well-being.
Yes. Flowers were to be my top, easily achievable goal of living a rich life.
All of this rich life contemplation occurred years before I moved to beautiful Warwick, NY (talk about rich life; just living here has multiplied the rich life vibes). At the time, I hadn’t considered selling my own cut flowers. I didn’t even have a garden… I was rocking apartment living.
But since then, I have continued to make flowers, those rich life powerhouses, more and more a part of my life. Growing them and sharing them has led me on an incredible journey. It has also given me a way to make my life even richer by allowing me to connect with the Hudson Valley and Warwick community through sharing them with all of you.
Now, so far, I have been focused on how flowers have made my life rich. But I want to encourage you to think about what does (or can) make your life rich. Maybe, like me, flowers make the cut. And if so, I’ve got you covered.
But, if not, what are the little things that add value to your life? What makes you smile? Brings you into the present moment? Those are the things that you want to prioritize.
Building your version of a rich life doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. It may be more about taking an honest look at what you are currently pouring your time, money and energy into that doesn't align with your rich life, and cutting them off. And then, really considering what you actually value and funneling your resources into those things.
As the author, Remit, asks in the book:
“When you picture your ideal life, what are you doing in it?”
I’d love to hear from you about what your rich life looks like, and the things that make your day-to-day a little brighter.