7 Ways That I Create Wealth In My Life – Most Have Nothing to Do With Money

Charleston, SC May 2024

Often when people think about wealth, they think of riches in the form of money, houses, cars, businesses, etc. I’ve come to learn that there are so many more ways to create and attract wealth into your life that are not about dollars and cents. I believe that discovering wealth in various ways helps you create a more thoughtful and joyful life of contentment that is not filled with focusing on the daily grind and how much it pays. Although I’m not rich on paper, yet, when I look around at my life I feel wealthy as hell and these are some of the reasons why.

My Village

I am eternally grateful that God placed me with “my people. From my husband to my family, to my in-laws, to my friends. All my relationships are uniquely designed where I know God was looking out for me. It feels so great to be able to have a community of people who love me deeply and who know I love them as well. In a world that often feels so scary, I know that I can always find comfort within these people that I love oh so much! Like the young folks say, “I don’t play about them” and I know they don’t play about me either.

It’s so important to surround yourself with people that let you be you. Having the ability to truly be yourself, (rough edges and all) is indescribable and crucial for not just your mental health but overall being.

A welcoming entryway for my Spring tea party.

I’m Forever Curious

What makes me unique, is that I’m eternally curious. I never stop learning and exploring. If I have a question about something, I’m going straight to Google to find out the answer. My Google searches are always so random, LOL! But this is how I’ve discovered so much about the world and how it operates. It’s how I’ve learned and grown into the woman that Iam today. The woman that’s not afraid of trying new things whether it’s learning how to do my makeup, code a website, or hang something heavy on a stud – this girl is going to figure it out! I feel wealthy for my curiosity because I know that I will always be able to create something for myself. I can figure just about anything out on my own if I have to! It also feels great to know things that other people may not realize, often I’m able to help others with these random tidbits of information that I have stored up.

I’ve learned so much through Podcasts, books, and articles that I would have not known if I hadn’t sought out these resources. Just this week, I learned about “estrogen dominance” on a podcast and now I have to do a deep dive on what all that means!

I taught myself how to design fancy cakes – all from the internet.

Routines and Rituals

It’s taken me a while to figure out what rituals and routines really serve me but now that I’ve practiced throughout the years, I know that there are a few that make me feel so abundant. couple of examples:

  • My skincare routine
  • The fact that I have to drink a few ounces of water in the morning before I consume anything else
  • Indulging in my favorite treats at the local farmers market every Sunday
  • My favorite Friday night order from a local restaurant
  • Attending one of my favorite yoga classes
  • An evening cup of tea with the hubby
  • My weekly latte at one of my favorite coffee shops
  • Prayer and devotional time

These little routines and rituals absolutely make me feel like “that girl” and I aint mad at it at all.

Hubby and I enjoying a nice latte.

I Save and Invest

When I first moved to Atlanta for work I accepted a very “low paying” role. I just wanted to get my foot in the door ANYWHERE and I knew that I would continue to grow from there. Although I didn’t make the money that I wanted at that first job, I started saving and investing what I had. I paid myself “first” and budgeted accordingly for what I had left. That small seed created a catalyst within me and I am starting to see the fruit for now. I started investing and saving with very little and now years later I continue to save and invest on a larger scale now that my salary has grown significantly from that first job. 

Spread from Essence Magazine on suggested books to help elevate your finances.

Create good habits, no matter where you are in life. Water and nurture those habits and watch them grow.

My Creative Being

Summer spread for mom and hubby.

I’ve always been a creative soul. When I was younger, you could always find me painting, drawing, or doing something creative. As I grow older, I realize that I still am who I have always been in so many ways. Now as an adult, I express my creativity in things like home decor, hosting parties, styling my clothes, and even food. I read this article by Diversus Health that says, “Being creative can increase positive emotions, reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety, and improve the function of our immune systems.” Being creative isn’t just about keeping yourself busy but it truly has benefits that can impact your entire state of being. As I continue to grow, I will always continue to express myself in creative ways that feel good to me.

Traveling is My Jam

My college experience really gave me more than a degree. 

It was in college that I took my first flight and where I was able to travel outside of the country for the very first time to Italy, Austria, and Germany. Ever since experiencing these moments, I’ve been hooked on exploring the world. Traveling isn’t for everyone but I’ve found that it’s given me so much perspective. Through travel, I’ve been able to witness different cultures, architecture, food, and more. I’ve also been able to partake in luxurious experiences during travel like 5-star spas, “turn down” service, and fine dining. It certainly fills my wealth “cup” and not only do I feel rich AF, but I also feel extremely thankful to be able to experience the world in that way.

Recent travels to Santorini, Greece.

I Appreciate What I Have

I give thanks for what I have daily. For some, it may not be much and for others, it might be too much. For me, it’s just perfect. In every phase of my life, I’ve thanked God for sustenance, health, financial means, relationships, etc. It can be easy to complain about what you don’t have when you aspire for so much more but it’s important to always practice the spirit of gratitude no matter your portion.

I’ve seen God magnify my life so much over the last few years that I know he’s capable of exceeding my wildest dreams. I’m always so eternally grateful for what God has given me no matter where I am in the journey. He’s provided me with so much that truly if he does nothing else, I will absolutely still be thankful to him.

Peach and pink peonies purchased from my local Kroger

Bonus: I Keep Beautiful Art in My Home

I remember growing up seeing art around my home as a child. Now, they weren’t super expensive pieces but they had such an impact on me. I remember always stopping in the kitchen to observe this artwork that my mom had hanging over the kitchen table. Although I had seen it so many times, there were moments when it just stopped me in my tracks. I knew that when I had my own home I would fill it with art. Fast forward to the present day, my husband and I love filling our space with art that speaks to us – abstract prints, funky shapes, our favorite artists, Black people interlaced with joy, dope cultures, we love it all. There’s a richness that comes from bringing art into your home that’s so indescribable. The best part is that art is budget-friendly and can be accessed by all. A few places to find good pieces are on Etsy, Homegoods, Target, Minted and Vintage shops but the options are really limitless. You can also make your own art and frame it to fit your needs.

Art from Minted and Etsy
Art work in my office/guestroom.

Being wealthy is not only about your bank account but it’s also about your state of being. We can create wealth in so many ways and that abundance is not just reserved for those that are rich on paper. Look around and see the many ways that wealth exists in your life. Express gratitude and thankfulness for what you have as you await whatever it is that you desire.