By Laura
Introduction
Recently, I’ve noticed a word circulating within the wellness community; Abundance. It shows up in devotionals, podcasts, meditations, and daily affirmations. While abundance is often misunderstood as material wealth, I’ve come to embrace a broader definition: one rooted in time, support, health, and love.
A daily devotional I’ve been reading centers on the theme of abundance, not just in finances, but in energy, peace, and meaningful connection. Inspired by it; and my own experiences, I’ve redefined what wealth means for me.
A Personal Wake-Up Call: Redefining What It Means to Be Rich
A few months ago, I spent a full week with my (then) 85-year-old father after a serious medical emergency. It was one of those calls, you know the kind. It came at 5:00 PM on a weekday: “Something is wrong. You should come.”
Without hesitation, I packed a small bag, let out and fed his dog, and raced nearly two hours to his home. The stress of entering an emergency room is real, made worse by the unknown. But I was lucky, my father is diligent about his health, never missing a doctor’s appointment.
Still, day after day, the wait for answers was draining. I’m not a medical professional. Like many daughters in this sandwich generation, I found myself suspended between parenting my kids and parenting my parent. The worst part wasn’t the waiting room or even the bad sleep; it was the uncertainty. Once we had a diagnosis and a plan, I could breathe again.
When “Things” Aren’t Enough
You might have a luxury car, a walk-in closet filled with designer shoes, or sparkling jewelry. But if you can’t take a single day off for mental wellness or a week off to support a loved one, are you really rich?
Let’s be real: I still love my things, and no; I’m not donating my beautiful heels and handbags just yet. But I now see them for what they are: accessories to a life, not the substance of it.
A Flashback to Burnout
Years ago, while working for a prestigious international law firm, I endured a string of personal crises:
- A close family member passed away
- My 2-year-old broke her collarbone
- I got severely sick (flu turned into pneumonia)
- A terrorist attack struck my hometown (PULSE Nightclub)
And yet—I kept going to work.
Even masked and isolated in my office, I met my billable quotas. Sure, I had some flexibility, but the culture didn’t really care. The firm valued output over humanity.
That was my breaking point.
We had a nanny for the kids, and I missed dinner, baths, and bedtime routines. All I did was work. That wasn’t living. It was existing. It was survival in stilettos; and I was done.
The Power of Choice (and Privilege)
I left the job, the title, the salary; and I’ve never looked back.
My husband and I made intentional lifestyle changes to live on one income. We sacrificed vacations and luxuries, but we gained something far more valuable:
Time. Presence. Peace. Memories.
And now, as my children grow into teenagers, I’m deeply grateful for the choice I made. Not everyone can. I recognize that. And that’s why I view time freedom as one of the ultimate privileges.
What Does Wealth Mean to You?
Ask yourself:
- What makes you feel wealthy?
- What would you give up to have more time with your family?
- Would you trade the designer bag for a quiet dinner with your aging parent or your growing child?
If the answer is yes, then maybe, like me, you’re already rich.
Final Reflection
I am present. I am available. I have abundance; not in bank accounts or handbags, but in time and love. I can be there when it matters most.
And that, to me, is modern wealth.
That week with my father was hard. It was scary. But I’ll take a thousand hard days over one missed goodbye.
Cherish those you love. Because one day, the opportunity to show up may be gone.
xo,
Laura