I grew up in a single parent household with four younger siblings. Money was never something we could just throw around. Sure, we took vacations occasionally and we were always provided for, but we never really had money to randomly go out and do things. Even the smallest adventure, like going out to a fast food restaurant, came with planning and budgeting. While I may not have always gotten all the things I wanted, I had everything I needed physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I also learned some neat life lessons, that have shaped who I am and made me a stronger person because things didn’t always come so easy.
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1. Your Current Circumstances Don’t Define You
From the time I was seven years old, I knew I was supposed to be a doctor. Even though I didn’t know what kind, I knew is that my purpose in life was to help people. At any point during my childhood, I could have let my circumstances deter me from achieving that goal. I could’ve gotten down on myself, lost hope in myself, or given up: But I didn’t. I knew the world needed me and what I had to offer. Now I am a first generation college student with four years to go for a doctorate. How’s that for taking life by the horns?
2. Being a Cheerful Giver is Important
It doesn’t matter if all you can give is a smile, give it cheerfully. The biggest blessing in my life was the first time I could buy Christmas gifts for my siblings with my own money. There was nothing better than the warmth in my heart from knowing that I contributed to their happiness in some way.
3. You Don’t Need Money to be a Positive Influence
News Flash: Positive attitudes are free. It takes zero dollars to give someone a compliment, zero dollars to hold the door open for someone, zero dollars to do good in the world, and zero dollars to be a decent human. And, honestly, it really just makes you feel good inside when you do nice things for others.
4. Dollars Can Stretch. A Lot.
At this point in my life, I can buy two weeks’ worth of groceries for $25 or less. Between coupons, BOGOs, and making a shopping list, I am fully confident in my ability to be “thrifty.”
5. You Don’t Have to be Rich to be Rich
What I mean by this is you don’t need money to have a wonderful life. Money allows you take trips and do fun things, but it can’t truly provide happiness. What does make people happy? Simple: Love. So, tell someone you love them today. You’ll be surprised at how much you needed to hear it, too.
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