How Rich Are You?

Wealth is one of those things that everyone measures in a different way.

Some equate it to assets and money in the bank. Others say that these mean nothing, that health is everything, that without good health you have nothing.

Now both of these are valid, but they are by no means the only definitions of wealth.

Here are two different perspectives which are equally valid…

• I spend most of my time in the Philippines so that I can be near my son who is studying at a University here which is recognized worldwide. Being there as much I am, I almost daily have a Filipino make a comment to me along the lines of “we are a poor nation”. My response continuously is “balony, you are amongst the richest people in the world”.

My reasoning here is that no matter where you go in the Philippines, you see people who have are living on what would be well below the poverty line in most parts of the world, yet they are always smiling, joking and friendly to strangers (locals and foreigners). It’s in stark contrast to many other parts of the world where people walk around in a sullen mood and simply won’t make the time of day for anyone outside their space.

They also have a strong sense of family and band together to look after one another within a country where there is no social security system and limited employment options. Those who manage to get jobs abroad often send a lions share of their income (often 50% or more) back home to support the family.

For me, that makes Filipinos very rich people!

I have had hundreds of visitors come to the Philippines over the past couple of years and every one of them has been touched by these qualities the way I have been.

• Late last year I underwent emergency surgery for a blocked artery in the heart. Prior to the surgery, I was warned that there was a 5% chance of not coming through, something I was well aware of as another person I knew had only months earlier passed away on the operating table undergoing the same procedure.

For those who have not undergone a similar experience, let me tell you that your mind starts to work overtime when you are in a situation like this. For some, it incites a sense of fear.

In my case, the only thing that went through my mind was that whatever the outcome, I had been lucky in my life … because I had lived a comfortable life, had many very good friends in all parts of the world, had been able to help many people along the way to a better life, and most importantly, had a son and adopted daughter I was very proud of.

Money, assets and business did not enter my mind for one moment. They were not the rich elements of my life.

Have a think about your own life. What are the factors that make YOU a rich person?