I played the lottery last week. A frivolous birthday gift to myself. I mean, who hasn’t dreamt of winning the mega millions, right? Ironically though, you have no idea how many times I have been asked over the course of my life, “Would you pick the winning lottery numbers for me?” My reply is, “Well if I could do that don’t you think I would’ve won already?”  It doesn’t work that way. Otherwise every psychic on the planet would be wealthy.

Have you ever asked yourself what would change if you really did win the lottery? What is really important to you? Where you would spend your time or how your life would be different? Last week I was hiking up in the mountains, it was a beautiful clear day, the trees crisp against the blue sky. I asked myself those questions. For me, the answers were distinct and succinct.

Ironically, statistics on the lives of lottery winners hold similar outcomes. Within a short amount of time, many of the lottery winners are bankrupt. They find that their lives have not changed for the better and are much more complicated than they had ever imagined. It did not bring them the happiness they were seeking. The actual statistics dispel the notion that money brings happiness. The happiest people globally have been the middle class, who work hard, play with what they’ve earned, have respect for themselves and their neighbors, love their families and honor the truth.

As I was hiking, I glanced down at my well worn and loved Merrell boots, cozy in my fleece, scarf and Columbia jacket. If I won the lottery, those wouldn’t change. Being in the mountains wouldn’t change. My love for my family couldn’t be stronger, money wouldn’t influence that. My rich plethora of exciting, fun, intriguing, adventurous friends are incredible. I have the best hiking dog- buddy. I love my job! I love to ski, hike, bike, camp – all of which I’m doing. I have a giant stack of inviting books beckoning. A calendar full of gatherings and events. I feel rich. 

It’s of course perspective. I have always felt rich, even as a kid. I grew up middle class. I never felt “less than” based on a dollar amount. I feel that is our challenge today. It’s in our face in every magazine, internet and TV advertisement. So much emphasis is placed on the quick buck, the fast track, your three minutes of fame, the fast and the furious. There’s no soul or substance. Self esteem and confidence easily end in the gutter when the old game of “Keeping up with the Jones’,” becomes the mantra.

 I want to be clear; I’m all for wealth! Having riches to share, abundance to give and assist is awesome! Being wealthy is a good thing when viewed with love, appreciation and gratitude. Many of the nations galleries, parks, enrichment centers, public TV etc, are due to generous donations by America’s wealthiest citizens. What value we have in our fellow neighbors.

In winning the lottery for me personally, of course it’d be great to clear up all debt. That would be incredible. I’d love to have extra cash to buy my dad a new set of eyes, a trip to Europe for my husband, take him to the best state-of-the-art natural anticancer health clinics available. I’d love to order my mom the finest knees so she can ski into her 90’s. Grad schools for my kids. Creating an energetic healing school is a dream. In reality though, I feel rich even without all that.

My invitation, is to recognize the wealth you have in your surroundings, your family, friends, your job. Feel like you’ve won the lottery, breathe it, be it. That inner affluence will shine through till it becomes second nature. Not only will you feel wealthy, you’ll be abundant in spirit.

I’m rich. You’re rich. We are wealthy together.

Cosmic sunshine to you.