YOU'RE NOT RICH UNTIL YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT MONEY CAN'T BUY.

YOU'RE NOT RICH UNTIL YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT MONEY CAN'T BUY.

Throughout our lives, the pursuit of wealth is a common thread that weaves its way through many of our actions and decisions. The greed and need for money can drive people to do anything from chasing after higher salaries, to cutting corners and bending the rules in order to get ahead monetarily. Our culture has given us many different pictures of what it means to be “rich” and have “made it.”

However, true wealth is not measured in dollars and cents – rather it’s about having a full life filled with knowledge, experience, joy and the right relationships. After all, what good are piles of money if you don’t have meaningful relationships to share it with or the energy to get out and enjoy it?

No one can deny the importance of money in our world, and there’s no doubt that financial security is an important part of being comfortable. But financial security must be balanced with other aspects of life in order to reach true wealth. We may feel like our riches and success come from amassing material possessions or having the latest gadgets, but these are just external indicators of money. The real “wealth” in life lies within.

Take, for example, friendships. They are integral to having a full and rewarding life, and it’s almost impossible to put a price tag on strong friendships. These special relationships help us to feel connected, stay motivated, learn, grow and even find solace during difficult times. Not to mention the joy and satisfaction that comes with having shared experiences and secrets only known to you and your close friends.

Or, think of legacy and legacy building – whether it’s as a business owner, philanthropist, parent or artist. These timeless accomplishments become something to be proud of, and help us leave behind a mark in the world that’s more valuable than any tangible asset.

Even small things like spending quality time in nature or engaging in hobbies can contribute to a healthy and balanced life. Without these, our lives may be full of the trappings of success, but we’ll still lack the basic elements of a fulfilled existence.

In other words, you’re not truly rich until you have something that money can’t buy. With a little thought and effort, you can go beyond just collecting material wealth, and start creating a life that is balanced, rich and above all, truly fulfilling.