5 Ways I Found Happiness, Peace, and Wealth In 2023

Important Lessons of the Year

It’s taken me decades to find a few of the keys to happiness, peace, and wealth.

The picture above describes for me some of the highlights of my year and provides a perfect segue into the lessons I’ve learned that have brought me happiness, peace, and wealth.

Happy Face Hand Holding Up The Peace Sign

This represents striving for more peace in life, saving up my FU money (peace out money), and searching for ways to build happiness and enjoy more smiles.

Tall Green Plant In Large Pot

This represents growth — new self-awareness and mindfulness, wealth building through multiple streams of income, moving away from things and people that no longer positively serve me. The large pot represents a strong foundation — my family, my personal finance plan, my knowledge and wisdom, and strength from my ancestors.

Umbrellas

These represent the way in which I want to protect my family, my emergency fund, my fun rainy day funds — one umbrella for me and one for my family. We must take care of ourselves in order to care for others.

And now my keys to happiness, peace, and wealth…

Say what louder?

NO! That’s what! Say no. Louder. Confidently. Unapologetically.

Lesson 1: SAY NO!

By saying no to the things I don’t enjoy, that don’t bring me peace and happiness, that unnecessarily take my money, I am saying yes to a more fulfilling life, a calm existence, less stress, reduced anxiety, and better mental and physical health.

Lesson 2: Pause Often To Be Mindful And Grateful

Mindfulness has changed my life. I literally take moments in time to pause, breathe, and focus on everything going on around me. During a live show and dinner with my relatives, I stopped for a mindful moment to be grateful for the experience and to capture a detailed memory.

Lesson 3: Embrace An Abundance Mindset

An abundance mindset drove me to start my personal finance Instagram page that now has almost 5K followers and a current reach of 101K. Instagram led me to Medium where I actually make money writing, something I never thought was possible. By keeping myself accountable, I have saved and invested more than I’ve ever done before and can afford bigger and better experiences. I dream more extravagantly too!

Lesson 4: Be A Good Person

Be a good person. Because why not? I’ve learned that although I’ve encountered some less-than-good-spirited people, it is still best to stay as kind and giving as I’ve always been. I think our world needs a lot more people spreading kindness, and I’d like to be part of that group.

Lesson 5: Rest

Taking time to rest and reset your body and mind might be the most productive thing you can do. Though counterintuitive, a nap can lead to more ideas, moving at a faster pace, making better or more lucrative decisions with a clear mind, and improved mood. Rest often and anytime you think you need to.

Life is filled with so many magical moments and opportunities to make memories, build a secure future for yourself and your loved ones, and just be and enjoy every day… take advantage if you can.

Thank you J.M. Troppello for this prompt (number 4). What a wonderful invitation to reflect on life lessons!