How Rich Are You?

They say, “Money can’t buy happiness”. Maybe a more applicable statement is “You are truly rich when you have something money cannot buy”. As the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from India, the value of a dollar is no stranger to me. Growing up, like many first generation families, I am certain our current financial stability eluded us. However, looking back on my childhood, would I say I was poor? Absolutely not. I can legitimately argue I was one of the richest kids in the world and still am.

Life has taken its course and moved my family and I swiftly through time. Nearly thirty years after moving to this country, my parents have made a quite comfortable life for themselves, my sister, and I. Are we multimillionaires? By no means. Are we rich? Definitely.

I have learned during my short 23 years of life that I am one of the lucky few people to have it all. I grew up in a house with a dedicated mother and a doting father. Not only did my parents love my sister and I unconditionally, but also they loved each other as if out of a fairytale. My sister and I never felt a lack of love or compassion. We received utmost care and attention from not one, but both of our parents. I cannot even begin to explain what incredible luck this is, but I can tell you how profoundly this has affected my life recently.

In the last year, I have faced several “tragedies” that, as an understatement, tested my character as well as the character of those around me. Now I use quotation marks when discussing these turn of events because “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. At this point in life, it is obvious, but often forgotten that there is always somebody better off and always somebody worse off. Therefore, I believe “tragedy” is a very relative term.

Have I been through difficult times? Sure. Is it the worst thing in the world? No. All too often, we wallow in our sorrow about the mistake we made at work, or the inability to possess material wealth, or we complain about a fight with our family, etc. This almost comes naturally to us, yet how often do we stop to think how lucky we truly are? For the person who complains about family--- some people would give everything to have a sister to fight with; for those that complain about work--- several people just wish they had a job; and those that complain about frivolous materials--- how many starving children are there in the world?

It was only after I thought I had lost everything that I really discovered how much I have. During some of the most pressing times in my life, not only did I have the love and support from my family, I had some of the most incredible angels step into my life. The friends I have are inarguably invaluable, but I am lucky enough to be worthy of their friendship. When we go through some of the most difficult times in life, true characteristics of a person really shine through.

Many people who are ‘friends’ suddenly disappear or have an unwarranted opinion on the situation. I just smile and continue with what I know to be right. Why? Because, those people played their part in my life, and through tragedy, it is time for them to exit. All the time I spend dwelling on what they are saying are precious moments wasted that could have been focused on the amazing people that surrounded me when I really needed them, and even when I thought I didn’t. The people who are still my current support system have shown me that they are truly worthy of being praised as invaluable. That is what makes me rich.

Sure, I might not have extravagant cars or materials, but I have incredible wealth. I live very comfortably compared to the majority of the world. I never go hungry, I have a roof over my head, and I have clothes on my back. Money comes and goes (mostly goes), but some things you just can’t put a price on. Those are the things I am fortunate to have in great abundance. So, I pose this question to you: How rich are you?