photo credit: BlatantWorld.com
So: as you know, I started my little adventure on 1st January wanting to overhaul my life in numerous different ways. I did the usual new year thing: I set myself resolutions, I made myself all kinds of promises to be kinder, more productive, more patient, happier, etc etc.
But I never really stopped to look at how good I’ve got it, right now.
I have recently developed an interest in Buddhism. Despite worshipping at the altar of Atheism, as anyone who knows me will tell you, the philosophy of Buddhism speaks to me on a number of levels. One of the things which Buddhism encourages is gratitude for what you have now. Not constantly striving for something more.
So today, I’m digressing slightly from the mission statement of this blog and taking stock of what I’ve got right now.
I don’t have a billion pounds. But I have so many things that are worth a billion pounds to me.
My billionaire’s list.
– I have the most wonderful partner, who is supportive, patient, loyal and one of the most caring people I’ve ever met (not to mention insanely good-looking ;-)) – although clearly insane and/or blind 🙂
– My family is totally the bee’s knees. There is so much love in my family it could practically burst. (Not that you could tell from the number of insults flying around the room).
– I’m studying Psychology which I find incredibly interesting
– I have my health. There really is no underestimating this one. I have a working pair of eyes, arms and legs, and all my organs are in the right place and crack on with their designated job without complaint. This makes me thousands of times better off than the millions of people who do not have these things.
– Similarly, I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, clean water and money coming in every month from a job I enjoy.
– I have friends who I know I’ll be friends with when I’m old and grey
So that’s quite a list. Next time I complain (which I do frequently), I will remind myself of this list. I know that if I ever want to feel like a billionaire, I have a list of things I wouldn’t sell for a billion pounds, or a trillion.
So how about you – what would you put on your billionaire’s list?
Teetotal for two 
I love this! How easy it is to forget what we have NOW.
OK, my list includes:
– an amazingly supportive husband who believes in my writing, and who cheers me on every step of the way.
– 2 sweet, funny, smart, healthy boys who make me laugh, and give awesome hugs.
– a wise and wonderful Mom who always has my back.
– my health, lots of energy, a clear mind, an open spirit.
– people who love me, even when I screw up.
– a lovely home that is warm and full of love and joy.
– a real talent for writing, one which allows me to dream and explore horizons – all from my desk.
that’s an awesome list!! 🙂 sounds like you have a lot of love in your life 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I wouldn’t even call it a billionaires list… all that would seem to do is make it seem like we’re trying to compare or catch up with “them”, then it’s not even the case. Maybe just a “happy list”, then?
yes you’re right, it is a ‘happy’ list. I suppose I was trying to say that I am already a ‘billionaire’ because I have things which are worth more than that – but I totally see your point! 🙂
I LOVE this list. I do a gratitude post every once in a while but it’s never as encompassing as this. My big one today is that I have an incredible support system. I have the flu and my coworkers have stepped up to make sure our patients get taken care of, my boyfriend is doing laundry and making me tea, and my family are sending in texts every hour about how they hope I feel better. What a wonderful way to suffer through the flu!
Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
ps. I’m also an atheist with buddhist tendencies *virtual fist bump*
Thanks so much for your kind comments! It sounds like you have a lot of great people in in your life – if you have to have flu at all, at least you’ve got some love and support to get you through! (although hope you’re feeling better now!) oh and *virtual fist bump* right back at you! 🙂
After a really long run in mud or snow, or a couple of days roughing it (a 2 day mountain marathon or something like that) I always feel like I’m appreciating the most basic things. The ones I always appreciate the most are my beloved partner, plentiful food, hot water and dry socks.
I know exactly what you mean. A few years ago I went travelling in namibia and it was properly basic (digging a toilet etc) and when I came home I promised to never take my bathroom for granted again! Didn’t last long though!