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5.05.2008

Are You Wealthy?



Nature is a professor. A sage. A mystic. A prognosticator. A reflector of man. It’s fury gets our attention, bends and breaks faith, but in the end nature doesn’t really change. It’s a catalyst.

Man also has a nature that bends and breaks faith. A nature that by default is faulty, but still redeemable. A nature that is forever facing the tides that pull us under the current. A nature forever questioning position and repositioning ourselves to fit a society of superficiality, wealth, status and debasement when all we need to do is to value our own worth and character.

I am not saying that affluence is the root of all evil or that it doesn’t have its own rewards, which of course it does. Without affluence and philanthropy many charities would be out of business. Even the government gives us an incentive to be philanthropic by way of tax deductions.

Outer wealth is measured by numbers, a googol that is bandied about like status Ticker Tape. We have become quite familiar with three household names over the years that are mentioned so much that we think they are a part of our family.

Whenever the names, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, or Oprah are so much as uttered, the phrase that automatically comes to our mind is, “They are rich.” In reality, we don’t know how wealthy they really are. We just think because they have money, they have everything, but they don’t. It behooves us not to keep measuring our worth against theirs.

Not only does it make us feel inadequate, envious, and literally worthless, but it’s counter productive to our own goals.

When Tony Robbins can charge $8,000 a head for a seminar to motivate us, then something is wrong with our sense of purpose. When Donald Trump or Robert Kiyosaki can get millions for speaking to us and telling us how they did it, it is nothing more than their individual experiences that were meant for them solely.

What they all neglect to tell us is that there is no formula, no magic, bullet, no genie in a lamp, nothing other than they were all fortunate to be aligned with their destiny. They seized their particular circumstances, unique only to them and within their karmic grasp.

To think that you can replicate their success is a misconception. When Donald Trump bought The Empire State building for one million dollars, no one else wanted it. It was in bad condition from years of neglect. He immediately had an opportunity to rehab it and bring it back to its former glory which added tremendously to his outer wealth. Many motivational speakers have similar stories.

The irony is that when a wealthy person falls, no one wants to know them anymore. When an elephant falls, even the frogs kick him.

So how do we build our own wealth? The true wealth of our spirit, heart and Soul is simply constructed by apprizing, not monetizing ourselves. We must invest in our dreams, our animus, our reason for being. We have to motivate ourselves to be active thinkers, believers and forerunners. Make getting up in the morning a breakfast of champions.

With the smallest of efforts, we can at least begin to tip the scale
of depth and perception and not be confetti that falls into a barren landscape of numbness. Why traverse through life with a soulless existence?

I have faith in man and its nature. It is a nature that in its most defiled consequences, cleans up well. A nature that governs our consciousness. A nature that although bends and cracks along the surface, does not really break altogether. It only looks that way on the outside.

Man is resilient and forever growing. If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we die. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We have to embrace all that we are and embrace all that we live. Find value in everyday living. Tap the inner life waiting to spring forth. When we start to dig, we will soon hit a gusher that will splash us with wisdom, the fountain of truth and the secret to happiness.

We must disabuse the definition of what society calls wealthy and embrace real wealth. It’s in valuing ourselves that we reach our true wealth. And a wealthy Soul is priceless.

27 comments:

Amber,  5/05/2008 5:16 PM  

Hi Alexys!

Another priceless masterpiece from you. Very well said!

We maybe wealthy materially but that doesn't matter when we don't know how to value our relationship with God, family, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, the less fortunate, etc.

It is because of the fallen nature of man. But nonetheless we can all reclaim our worthiness through faith (even if we all differ in religions).

So insightful!

Harmony 5/06/2008 5:58 AM  

HOLY SMOKES, this is a great post.
I don't have any problem with those o have a lot of money, and use their money to make more money. Everyone is creating and using what they know where they are.

Your words:
We must invest in our dreams, our animus, our reason for being. We have to motivate ourselves to be active thinkers, believers and forerunners. Make getting up in the morning a breakfast of champions.

WOW, I love it. Another side of wealth that makes it possible for everyone to enjoy!

Your post is uplifting on a great sunny morning. THANKS

Alexander M Zoltai 5/06/2008 9:33 AM  

Whoo-Hoo !!!

From the wise humor of:

"When an elephant falls, even the frogs kick him."

To the sweet compassion of:

"It is a nature that in its most defiled consequences, cleans up well."

You've scored a
boffo Slang
adj.
Extremely successful; great.

~ Alex

Max 5/06/2008 9:53 AM  

Hello dear Alexys,

How are you?

This is a good question: are we wealthy? I would say that all the ingredients (for a wealthy existence) are there for everybody to see; however only a few do have the patience to see them, to search them, to pick them and feel their scent in order to select the best ingredient that fits himself *smelling the ingredient that makes me wealthy*.

Yes, indeed we live in a superficial society (unfortunately) and I wonder when it will get better; I mean, I know it will get better, but the question is: will it be in my life-time? We'll see...

"Even the government gives us an incentive to be philantropic by way of tax reductions" - our government does not give us an incentive to be philantropic at all. Our tax deductions are ridiculously low and limited; for example: you cannot deduct underware, glasswear, clothing, Cd's, DVD's, shoes and a lot of other stuff. We are multiply taxed (IRS, VAT, local taxes, VAT on local taxes - environmental tax, sewage tax, City Hall tax etc) so how can an average Portuguese citizen consider being philantropic? He can't...*nodding*.
Your tax policy is another point that I admire in the Americans (I even grew to love the double-taxation for American citizens working abroad).

"We have become quite familiar with three household name over the years that are mentioned so much that we think they are a part of our family." LOL LOL LOL I hear you! *nodding*

True, being wealthy doesn't mean having money. Being wealthy means to be happy (no matter what); to love and be loved; to always have a comfort word to say to others; to be compassionate; to be tolerant; to be human, to care...

Well, I wouldn't say that they financial status makes me envious, let alone make me feel worthless...I mean, I don't even care about the money they have; I am more interested in knowing what they do for their community, for this world, what they do for humanity. And if they do a lot then I feel proud of that human being who makes good use of the money he was blessed with (cause financial wealth is also a gift).

True again, there is something wrong with society: why pay thousands of $ to hear a man telling about what worked for him? Cause that same formula may not work for someone else...so many things are involved in these things (and one of them is: is it your destiny to reach the top? And if it is, what are you going to do to deserve to continue to be in the top? - be it either in this life or in the next)...

"The irony is that when a wealthy person falls, no one wants to know them anyone." - so sad, but true.

"We have to motivate ourselves to be active thinkers, believers and forerunners." - *clap clap clap* BRAVO! YES! BRAVO!

"We must disabuse the definition of what society calls wealthy and embrace real wealth." - this is absolutely gorgeous! And I agree! I would even go further and say that there are a lot of words in our lexicality, whose definition should be disabused.

A wealthy soul is a priceless thing indeed, my friend :D!

Great article, Alexys!

Wealthy Cheers

Alexys Fairfield 5/06/2008 4:07 PM  

Amber,
You are absolutely right. We are what we value so why not value something that's really valuable - God - love - relationships - goals, etc.

When we begin to value our inner wealth, we will gain so much.

Thank you for your wonderful addition to this post.

Liara Covert 5/06/2008 5:35 PM  

As we choose to explore wealth beyond assumptions about numbers, beyond the measurable and quantifiable other people describe for us, we discover meaningful experiences we had missed. Rather than discuss what wealth isn't, it can be life-transforming to discern feelings it evokes.

Alexys Fairfield 5/06/2008 9:01 PM  

Harmony,
I don't have a problem with people making money - it's the reaction of others that is troubling. People seem to give those with money power over them. They become so taken by the mighty dollar that they lose track of what's important. I think everyone is wealthy, they just have to tap their inner wealth.

Thanks for adding your insight to this stream.

Alexys Fairfield 5/06/2008 9:05 PM  

Alex,
Wow, I am sooooo happy that I scored a boffo slang. That means more than anything. :D

Alexander M Zoltai 5/06/2008 9:50 PM  

Two boffos = a buuf
Three buufs = a buuffer
Four buuffers = a bluout

Alexys Fairfield 5/06/2008 10:17 PM  

Max,
I am fine on this sunny California day my dear, thanks for asking.

"I would say that all the ingredients (for a wealthy existence) are there for everybody to see; however only a few do have the patience to see them, to search them, to pick them and feel their scent in order to select the best ingredient that fits himself..."

All we have to do is open the pantry and select our ingredients.

We can only hope that we evolve as a society, but that would involve a major wake up call and maybe a shock to the heart of consciousness.

"Our government does not give us an incentive to be philantropic at all. We are multiply taxed (IRS, VAT, local taxes, VAT on local taxes - environmental tax, sewage tax, City Hall tax etc) so how can an average Portuguese citizen consider being philantropic?"

Really? We are taxed on money when we work, when we buy, when we save and when we die. We have a new tax; when we buy TV's or computers, there is a disposal tax of $20.00. (We have to pay to throw stuff away. In California we have to pay a tax on plastic bottles.) Can't escape it - unless you put it in a tax shelter and work the system to your advantage (legally) by buying property, stocks, bonds, investments, etc.

My friend from England compares American and British tax systems. When he compares one against the other, he concludes that the American taxes are higher than England's. Especially property taxes in US can be tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars than in England.

Your tax policy is another point that I admire in the Americans (I even grew to love the double-taxation for American citizens working abroad).

That's why Tina Turner is taxed here but she doesn't live here. Until recently she lived in France, now she lives in Germany.

"True, being wealthy doesn't mean having money. Being wealthy means to be happy (no matter what); to love and be loved; to always have a comfort word to say to others; to be compassionate; to be tolerant; to be human, to care."

You are truly wealthy my friend. Truly.

"I am more interested in knowing what they do for their community, for this world, what they do for humanity. And if they do a lot then I feel proud of that human being who makes good use of the money he was blessed with (cause financial wealth is also a gift)."

Perfectly executed.

"True again, there is something wrong with society: why pay thousands of $ to hear a man telling about what worked for him? Cause that same formula may not work for someone else...so many things are involved in these things (and one of them is: is it your destiny to reach the top? And if it is, what are you going to do to deserve to continue to be in the top? - be it either in this life or in the next)..."

You get it, now we need everyone else to get it.

"We must disabuse the definition of what society calls wealthy and embrace real wealth." - this is absolutely gorgeous!"

Thank you and thanks for sharing your priceless wealth. You are one in a million my dear.

Million Cheers

Alexys Fairfield 5/06/2008 10:23 PM  

Liara,
I agree. It might take some work to reverse the thinking of what makes one wealthy. I think we can find wealth in the heart of ourselves and of others. We have to keep our hearts open to share our wealth.

Robin 5/06/2008 11:08 PM  

Hi Alexys - nice post!

When I had a few years of really struggling for money, some time ago, I used to consciously look for "wealth" in my life - such as the beautiful gardens and pretty houses in my area, that were there for me to look at, or the music I listened to. It worked - I don't struggle for money now!

Cheers - Robin

Alexys Fairfield 5/07/2008 12:19 AM  

Alex,
Wow. I am so fortunate!

Alexys Fairfield 5/07/2008 12:21 AM  

Hi Robin,
Life is so much more tantalizing when we don't struggle for money isn't it? You are wealthy indeed.

Thanks for sharing your individual wealth with us.

Cheers.

surjit 5/07/2008 2:53 AM  

Hi Alexys,
You said:
..'And a wealthy Soul is priceless...'
I may add that every soul is priceless.We must value the dignity
of humans rather material wealth.
Thanks for sharing another insightful post.
God bless.

Max 5/07/2008 9:00 AM  

Alexys,

"I am fine on this sunny California day my dear, thanks for asking." - :D that is awesome to know! Don't mention it ;D!

"All we have to do is open the pantry and select our ingredients." - LOL exactly. Have I expressed how much I love your sense of humour? I just love it!

"We can only hope that we evolve as a society, but that would involve a major wake up call and maybe a shock to the heart of consciousness." - if that is what it takes for evolution to take place, I say: bring those shocks. I think now is the time to show that we are walking towards evolution; we cannot go on the way we have been forever. It wouldn't make sense.

"Really? We are taxed on money when we work, when we buy, when we save and when we die. We have a new tax; when we buy TV's or computers, there is a disposal tax of $20.00. (We have to pay to throw stuff away. In California we have to pay a tax on plastic bottles.) Can't escape it - unless you put it in a tax shelter and work the system to your advantage (legally) by buying property, stocks, bonds, investments, etc." - then, my dear...we are all being taxed to death *nodding*. Thank God, they haven't thought of a disposal tax yet (I hope no Portuguese Gov member ever reads this conversation lol). What is the reason for paying a tax on plastic bottles? I hear you on the investment tax advantages.

"My friend from England compares American and British tax systems. When he compares one against the other, he concludes that the American taxes are higher than England's. Especially property taxes in US can be tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars than in England." - yes, but in England the system differs greatly from everybody else's. Plus they have an odd property law, which I haven't quite graspped until today *nodding*. But I will lol...

"That's why Tina Turner is taxed here but she doesn't live here. Until recently she lived in France, now she lives in Germany." - I hear you. I hear she is coming back to the music world. Will she handle it? If you are Portuguese but you live abroad, you don't have to pay taxes to the Portuguese gov. However you must declare how much tax you pay abroad.

"You are truly wealthy my friend. Truly." - :D thank you *bowing*!

"Perfectly executed." - *bowing*!

"You get it, now we need everyone else to get it." - I like to believe that eventually everybody will get it. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who said that everybody has its own pace to evolve; and that we need to be patient enough to wait for the day when everybody will be evolved enough to decrease the world's lack of vision (let's call it that way)...

"Thank you and thanks for sharing your priceless wealth. You are one in a million my dear." - you are welcome, darling :D! You do the same for us, so we have to retribute your immense gesture *bowing*. Merci *nearly blushing*!

You are a Gem Cheers

Alexys Fairfield 5/07/2008 3:46 PM  

Surjit,
Yes, you are on to something - a Soul is priceless. It warrants a dignity that can lead us to many wonderful experiences.

Thanks for adding to this stream.

Alexys Fairfield 5/07/2008 4:12 PM  

Max,
"Have I expressed how much I love your sense of humour? I just love it!"

Oh thank you my dear and I might add, yours is gorgeous too. It's nice when someone else can see the same humor.

"...if that is what it takes for evolution to take place, I say: bring those shocks. I think now is the time to show that we are walking towards evolution; we cannot go on the way we have been forever. It wouldn't make sense."

I'm ready to walk it out. "Now walk it out..."

"...then, my dear...we are all being taxed to death..."

Touché. That was without a doubt a gem! We do have disposal taxes as well, but they are couched in other bills, such as water, property tax, etc.

"What is the reason for paying a tax on plastic bottles?"

California is an environmental state (all states 50 have different laws.) We pay for the disposal of the plastic bottle, a recycling tax. We can choose to recycle the bottles and receive approximately 2 cents per bottle - but the tax is 8 cents. It's convoluted.

"...in England the system differs greatly from everybody else's. Plus they have an odd property law, which I haven't quite graspped until today..."

And they drive on the side of the road that's just not right. LOL! I love saying that. My friend hates it.

"I hear she [Tina] is coming back to the music world. Will she handle it?"

Well, she's 68 years old now. I hope she can handle it. She has a lot of energy. She used to live near me. (her and Ray Charles; but not together) They both had fabulous homes on a hill. We used to drive by to try and catch a glimpse. We never saw anyone.

"If you are Portuguese but you live abroad, you don't have to pay taxes to the Portuguese gov. However you must declare how much tax you pay abroad."

That's sound fair. You don't have to pay twice.

"I like to believe that eventually everybody will get it. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who said that everybody has its own pace to evolve; and that we need to be patient enough to wait for the day when everybody will be evolved enough to decrease the world's lack of vision (let's call it that way)..."

I agree. You know water seeks its own level.

You Are A Gem Too Cheers

Max 5/08/2008 8:28 AM  

Alexys,

"Oh thank you my dear and I might add, yours is gorgeous too. It's nice when someone else can see the same humor." - you are most welcome, darling *bowing*! Thanks :)! True, it is extremely nice :D!

"I'm ready to walk it out. "Now walk it out..."" - LOL LOL cool! That is a nice song and the way they dance the "walk it out" is a fantastic body expression. I watched on TV that it was inspired on South African dances (and boy those South Africans can dance).

"Touché. That was without a doubt a gem! We do have disposal taxes as well, but they are couched in other bills, such as water, property tax, etc." - we even used to have a TV station tax (charge on our water bill as well) but not anymore.

"California is an environmental state (all states 50 have different laws.) We pay for the disposal of the plastic bottle, a recycling tax. We can choose to recycle the bottles and receive approximately 2 cents per bottle - but the tax is 8 cents. It's convoluted." - oh, I see. In other words, you pay a 6 cents tax (I don't even know why they use psychological costs as if people didn't know how to do their math).

"And they drive on the side of the road that's just not right. LOL! I love saying that. My friend hates it." - LOL LOL LOL one more thing they got that is different from everybody else LOL ;). We are just kidding, Alexys' British friend (I love England from the bottom of my heart) :D!

"Well, she's 68 years old now. I hope she can handle it. She has a lot of energy. She used to live near me. (her and Ray Charles; but not together) They both had fabulous homes on a hill. We used to drive by to try and catch a glimpse. We never saw anyone." - lol lol loved the touch "her and Ray Charles but not together" lol. These stars have learnt the art of hiding because of paparazzi, eh?

"That's sound fair. You don't have to pay twice." - true. But on the other hand Portugal is a poor country compared to the US. Sometimes being fair has its downsides...

"I agree. You know water seeks its own level." - indeed, it does, my friend.

I nearly blushed Cheers

Alexys Fairfield 5/08/2008 10:13 AM  

Max,

"That is a nice song and the way they dance the "walk it out" is a fantastic body expression. I watched on TV that it was inspired on South African dances (and boy those South Africans can dance)."

Really. I love the penguin version of the song on YouTube. It is hilarious. I have seen it several times and every time is like the first time.


"...oh, I see. In other words, you pay a 6 cents tax (I don't even know why they use psychological costs as if people didn't know how to do their math)."

Exactly and these people are running the state when they can't even balance their own check book.

"These stars have learnt the art of hiding because of paparazzi, eh?"

I really wish more stars would hide - and stay in hiding.

"But on the other hand Portugal is a poor country compared to the US. Sometimes being fair has its downsides..."

Totally agree. America has a HUGE deficit because we "help" other countries before paying our own bills.

Blushing Upcoming Bride Cheers

Max 5/08/2008 10:20 AM  

Alexys,

"Really. I love the penguin version of the song on YouTube. It is hilarious. I have seen it several times and every time is like the first time." - lol let me check it...oh Lord, Youtube is having issues at this moment (I'll check it out later)...

"Exactly and these people are running the state when they can't even balance their own check book." - I hear you, girl!!

"I really wish more stars would hide - and stay in hiding." - LOL LOL LOL LOL you know?

"Totally agree. America has a HUGE deficit because we "help" other countries before paying our own bills." - I know what you are saying, sista! Politics can be a B (lol)!

Upcoming Bride laughing Cheers

UBERMOUTH 5/08/2008 6:36 PM  

I SO believe in everything you have said here.What can be more fulfilling that laughter ,love and inner peace?

Alexys Fairfield 5/08/2008 8:26 PM  

Max,
I tried to get you the link to the penguins, but YouTube must have changed something again. It is running way to slow.

"I really wish more stars would hide - and stay in hiding." - LOL LOL LOL LOL you know?"

Seriously. Stay off of street people.

Beautiful Bride Cheers

Alexys Fairfield 5/08/2008 8:30 PM  

Uber,
It seems simple enough, you know, people just don't get the concept. What's really nice is when people have the outer trappings of success WITH the inner trappings. Now THAT'S BEAUTIFUL.

Max 5/09/2008 8:00 AM  

Alexys,

"I tried to get you the link to the penguins, but YouTube must have changed something again. It is running way to slow." - yes, I know...it is so annoying! But I will try again later on! I must see those penguins walking out LOL.

"Seriously. Stay off of street people." - ROFL...

You kill me Cheers

Janet 5/16/2008 9:41 AM  

This is the first time on your site, which is beautiful by the way - as are the words you use in your posts. I will be back, thanks for sharing!

Alexys Fairfield 5/16/2008 5:50 PM  

Janet,
Thank you for your generous words. I am glad that my words found their way to you.

Hope to see you again soon.

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