I read something a while back and it penetrated my brain.
It’s a story of wealth, but it’s more than that.
When I first read the story, my initial impression was distasteful. It seemed to be the story of a guy who was too rich and complaining about his lot in life.
But the more I thought about it, I realized his struggles mirror those we all have. I also realized there are 5 valuable lessons that we can learn from his experience, so I’ve included them below.
After all, let’s be honest.
If you’re reading this blog and can retire, you are wealthy from a global and historical perspective. If your net worth is $100,000, you’re richer than 90% of the people in the world (according to this report).
I’m confident that 90% of the readers of this blog are richer than 90% of the people in the world.
Say it with me, “I Am Rich.”
Turns out we have something in common with the guy in the story. Sure, he’s REALLY rich, but haven’t we built enough wealth to consider never working again? The difference is one of scale, but not of substance.
So, let’s focus on the second part of the headline…
“…And Have No Idea What To Do With My Life.”
At its core, the story begs the following question, which applies to all of us who are “rich.”
When a person has achieved material wealth, what's next? Share on XTo learn the story behind this rich guy, and the lessons we can learn from his experience,
Read on…
I Am Rich And Have No Idea What To Do With My Life
I’ve never heard of Vinay Hiremath, but he’s the protagonist in today’s story. Here’s what he looks like, dated September 2024 at the US Open (source: his Instagram account).
Looks like a nice enough guy, though pretty young to be filthy rich. What’s his story?
Vinay was the Co-Founder of a tech company called Loom (“The easiest screen recorder you’ll ever use”). After an “intense 10-year journey,” he sold Loom for just under $1 Billion to Atlassian, and Vinay became a very rich man.
I learned about Vinay thanks to my friends at Apex Money, who shared his article:
“I am rich and have no idea what to do with my life.”
Stop and read it.
Vinay shared the article on his X account, where it’s had over 1 Million views and 2k comments. It’s worth taking a quick detour down the X chain…Here’s his original tweet:
I encourage you to click on the tweet and have fun reading through some of those 2.3K comments. It’s interesting to see how different folks respond. A few examples below:
From Levelsio:
Embrace having no purpose. Embrace being bored. Don’t run away from it, run into it!!! Go travel as a digital nomad. Lift heavy weights. Eat clean. Your next thing will show up but you gotta lose control and just accept the nothingness for awhile.
From Madhattr3:
Have kids if you can. Then the question will change from “what to do with my life” to “how do I help grow these tiny people into awesome adults”
From Justin Gordon:
Appreciate you sharing this Vinay and hope you figure it out. As a fallback, being of service to others always seems like a good thing and a meaningful use of time as well as doing things for their own sake
My favorite response, from HumbleFlow:
“The truth is…these are the questions everyone faces.” Humble Flow
This stuff is food for my brain. As I said in the intro, when a person has achieved material wealth, what’s next?
What Do You Want To Do With Your Life?
It’s a question we all need to answer.
5 Lessons From Vinay’s Experience
If you’ve read his article, you’ll recognize the opening below:
Note: Please read his article, I won’t be summarizing it since I know you can read, wink.
A few key quotes from his opening are worth highlighting:
- I find myself in the totally unrelatable position of never having to work again.
- I don’t have the same base desires driving me…
- I’m not the most optimistic about life.
- …I don’t currently have much conviction or purpose in life.
I give Vinay a lot of credit. He’s only written one blog post in his life, and it’s an amazing piece of work. It’s raw. Fully transparent, he admits his insecurities to the world. He’s brutally honest, even at the risk of being scorned by thousands on social media. I applaud this guy’s courage.
Sure, we can argue with some specifics in his article, but here is a guy searching for a purpose in life.
Aren’t we all?
5 Lessons From Vinay
As I thought about Vinay’s journey, I recognized a common thread with all of us who have experienced the transition into a life that no longer requires paid work. Here’s what I came up with, I welcome any additional lessons you discovered when you read his article (I’ll see you in the comments).
1. Money Doesn’t Bring Happiness
It’s been widely reported that money over a certain level doesn’t lead to more happiness. A famous Princetown report found $75,000 to be the threshold, though others have argued the level is higher. Regardless, no one disagrees once a certain level of wealth is achieved, additional money doesn’t increase happiness.
Vinay is experiencing that reality, as have many others in the FIRE community. Achieving financial independence does not, in and of itself, lead to happiness. It’s how we use that money that matters. In Vinay’s words:
What is the point of money if it not for freedom? What is your most scarce resource if not time? Share on XThe Lesson For Us: It’s hard to decide when to retire, but it’s important to recognize that working longer for the additional money you don’t need won’t lead to ultimate happiness. Don’t get caught in the One More Year Syndrome for more than one year.
2. None of us Are Immune to The 4 Phases of Retirement
Vinay is clearly struggling with the dreaded Phase II of The Four Phases of Retirement. That’s to be expected, given that 85% of retirees struggle with the same feelings of “Lost & Loss,” especially those who didn’t spend time considering the non-financial aspects of retirement before they quit working.
It’s easy to see how Vinay spent his time in Phase I, in his own words:
“I traveled to many beautiful places with my loving and supportive (ex) girlfriend. This 6-month stretch could be several essays on its own, but the outcome of this period is that nothing seemed right.”
And…the last part of that sentence highlights the reality that he’s now struggling with as he enters Phase II, “nothing seemed right.”
The Lesson For Us: Recognize the risk of falling into the dreaded Phase II, and study the lessons from the 15% of people who were fortunate to skip right over it. Bottom line: While you’re still working, spend time thinking about and planning for the non-financial aspects of life after paid work.
3. Experimentation Is the Path To Success
The good news for Vinay is that he’s already taking the steps indicative of entering Phase III: Trial & Error. His journey is fascinating, with several “experiments” described in his article:
- 2 weeks exploring a robotics company
- A month working with Elon Musk at DOGE
- A trip to Hawaii to study physics
His experiments are fascinating to read. It’s been proven that experimentation is the right path to finding your Purpose in life, and he’s doing it well. A few comments from his journey are worth highlighting:
Robotics: “At the end of the 2 weeks, I left feeling deflated and foolish. I didn’t want to start a robotics company.”
DOGE / Elon Musk: Vinay was hired to work with Elon Musk at DOGE and worked with “some of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” then quit after 4 weeks because I needed to get back to ambiguity, focus on my insecurities, and be ok with that for a while. DOGE wasn’t going to fix that.
Hawaii / Physics: He traveled to Hawaii to study physics to “build up my first principles foundation so I can start a company that manufactures real world things. It seems plausible, but I’m learning to just accept that I am happy learning physics. That’s the goal in and of itself. If it leads to nothing, that’s ok.”
The Lesson For Us: If you find yourself stuck in Phase II, the proven path forward is to start experimenting. Find something that interests you and take that first step. Take on the attitude demonstrated by Vinay’s words, “If it leads to nothing, that’s ok.” Recognize that the important thing is to throw things against the wall. If it doesn’t stick, that’s ok. In time, you’ll find something that resonates. A piece of advice I’d give to Vinay (and you) is to look externally vs. internally as you experiment. Find a need in your community and think about how you can make a difference. I was encouraged by Justin’s advice in the tweet above: “being of service to others always seems like a good thing and a meaningful use of time…” The theme was repeated in Humble Flow’s comment, “If you don’t know what your mission is, start by helping people.”
4. Finding Your North Star
I’ve done a lot of research on the topic of achieving a successful retirement (I even wrote a book about it), and a consistent theme is the importance of finding a passion that aligns with the things that matter to you. Vinay calls it “feeling authentic,” and that’s a great way to describe it. Many of us recall times in our working years when we were pressured to do things that weren’t aligned with our core beliefs. That uncomfortable feeling of having to fire someone who you cared for. The irritation of having to deliver a message to a customer that you weren’t comfortable with.
That stops in retirement.
You now have a golden opportunity to do the things, and only the things, that matter to you. The things that you believe in. In my case, I love writing, so I write. My wife and I love dogs, so we build free fences through the charity my wife founded, Freedom For Fido. We’re helping others by doing the things we love and believe in, and it’s rewarding beyond words. We’ve achieved Phase 4 in the retirement journey, and we’re loving life.
Vinay also recognizes the need for humility as you seek your path, as demonstrated by the following quote: I’m applying a healthy dose of humility to everything I say and do. It’s the only thing that feels authentic.
He may be young, but he appears wise for his age. Finally, I applaud his determination, as illustrated by the final sentence of his article:
I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.
The Lesson For Us: As you work through the experimentation of Phase 3, focus on areas that align with your inner being. Focus on finding a way to help others. Say “no” to the things that don’t feel right. “Finding your North Star” is a nebulous concept, but you know when something “feels right.” Focus your efforts in those areas.
It’s there where you’ll find the seeds for your journey.
5. Spirituality Matters
As I read Vinay’s article, I couldn’t help but think that there is a spiritual element to his journey. Perhaps he doesn’t even realize it, but it seems clear from the following comment that Vinay has recognized his need to free himself from the earthly things that entangle us:
This whole chapter of Loom has created a complex web of internalized insecurities I must now work hard to disentangle and free myself from.
As a Christian, I believe we’re intentionally designed with a “God-shaped hole” in our hearts, and it’s only in filling that hole that we find true contentment and joy. An analogy I used in 20 Ways To Be Happier In Life (one of my most-read posts, ever) is that of a wheel, where each spoke in the wheel represents a different aspect of your life. Spirituality is a spoke in your wheel, and if you don’t invest in that spoke your wheel won’t roll well. It’s clear that Vinay was too focused on his “work spoke” during his tenure building Loom, as demonstrated by the following quote:
“When you work on something that consumes your life for a decade, it’s hard to let go of the certainty and purpose you’ve grown accustomed to.”
His journey to the Redwoods and scaling of (impressive) peaks in the Himalayas are indicative of his search for greater things. I consider them investments in his “Spiritual Spoke” and hope he includes thoughts of eternity and the things that really matter as he continues his journey.
The Lesson For Us: Spirituality is often considered a “third rail” in our society, and not discussed as openly as it should be. If you’re offended by my including it in this list of lessons, perhaps it’s because it’s hitting close to home. All I ask is that you be brutally honest with yourself, and invest some time in your “Spiritual Spoke.” As long as you’ve taken the time to think about it, I’ll never judge. That’s not my place, and I recognize that. I think it’s important that I’m transparent with my beliefs, and I hope I’ve developed enough trust that you’ll allow me to do that. You do you, and I’ll do me. That said, if you’re struggling to find true joy and contentment in your life, I encourage you to read The Five Types of Wealth, with a focus on #5.
To find true contentment, invest in your Spiritual Spoke.
Conclusion
“I Am Rich.”
As unlikely as it seems, that’s a statement that all of us can make when viewed from a global perspective. We may not be as rich as Vinay, but the difference is one of scale, not substance. Recognizing that fact begs the following questions:
- What should we focus on after we’ve earned material wealth?
- What should we do with our life?
- In short, “What’s Next?”
The most important things I took away from Vinay’s story are the following 5 lessons that apply to us all:
5 Lessons From Vinay:
- Money Doesn’t Bring Happiness
- None of us Are Immune to The Four Phases of Retirement
- Experimentation is The Path To Success
- Finding Your North Star
- Spirituality Matters
By applying the lessons from Vinay’s journey, I’m hopeful we’ll all find our answer to the question…
…What’s Next?
Your Turn: What lessons most resonated with you from Vinay’s story? What lessons did I miss? Is he simply a guy with too much money whining about his lot in life, or are there things we can learn from his journey that can help us improve our lives in retirement? Let’s chat in the comments…
Hey Fritz Thanks for sharing this very cool story. Thanks for being so honest regarding your faith in God and how your spiritual life is so important. I hope you and your wife enjoyed the recent colder weather in the GA Mts. We here in central NC got one nice snow and that might be it this season. Be safe
Pete, thanks for your kind words. We enjoyed a solid 4 days of white ground, rare for our neck of the woods. It was fun, but happy to have those 60 degree temperatures back so we can build more fences!
I love the article that Vinay wrote and I also love your analysis. I can’t help but think that there is still a difference that the “ultra rich” face that those of us who can say we are rich don’t have to face. I think there is a basic level after which money can’t improve happiness, but I also think there is a cap over which money becomes the master. Freedom is in the middle and not at the top. I say this because Vinay is trying to figure out what to do with his life AND his money. When we have enough to do the things we want to do, then we can find some happiness. But what happens when you have so much money that that you are expected (by society or self) to do something significant with it? Vinay can’t have my kind of simple life of traveling incognito, meeting interesting (ordinary) people on cruises, watching grandkids grow up and teaching people about the Bible. His money is always an obstacle that forces him into certain peer groups. I feel for him and hope he discovers what he is looking for. He seems to be a very self-reflective person and that is a great asset.
“Freedom is in the middle and not at the top.”
I love that sentence, Darrell. I think you’re on to something. Like you, I also have some empathy for Vinay and hope he finds his purpose for the next stage. And yes, he’s exceptionally self-reflective, especially considering his youth.
Fritz Gilbert: You’ve done it again……..Providing insights into that looming question; What’s Next? I started a coaching practice at the time I retired from my “financial career” – Next Thing Group LLC. I’m a Progress Coach = Better Life. Better Work. Whether we are in a major transition(s) or simply working on an important project(s), it pays to have a thought partner to help determine next steps along the way. Admittedly, having “enough” financial freedom to pursue what matters most is enviable positioning. And, for most of us with “enough” it takes ongoing work to fan that flame of “what’s next” along the journey. I now call myself (and share with those who are genuinely interested/curious) an Encore-preneur = Embracing the freedom to pursue the life, work and relationships that matter most…in the second half. Maybe Vinay is on the path of Encorepreneurship (obviously overfunded…LOL)? Keep up the excellent work Fritz!
“…for most of us with “enough” it takes ongoing work to fan that flame of “what’s next” along the journey.”
I applaud you for providing that flame to others, Mark. I hope my words today did the same. Encorepreneurs, Unite!
What a terrific story. I agree with your observations, Fritz. We all need a purpose and it doesn’t have to be changing the world. It’s about making our corner of the world a little bit better.
And you’re so right about spirituality and the “God-shaped hole”. Our secular world has rejected the one thing that can help us make sense and find peace in this crazy world we live in.
“Our secular world has rejected the one thing that can help us make sense and find peace in this crazy world…”
It has indeed. I’ll admit it makes me a bit nervous being vocal about my faith on this blog, but I’ve decided to be transparent, and it’s important, so…. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Fritz, I enjoy reading your posts. I have learned a lot from them. I will sell the remaining 50% of the company I have built since 1988 to my son on March 1. When I tell most people this they say congratulations and they mean it. I wish I was excited as they think I am. I have been mine own “boss” and the work I have done I love and it is rewarding. I have thought of things I may be interested in doing but it’s going to be like you stated as in throwing things against the wall and see what sticks. I even have a possible “gig” doing what I did for 36 years for 2 days a month with flexibility. I am nervous about this next chapter as this is most adrift I have been in my entire life. Keep up the writing as you help people like me
“I have learned a lot from them.”
Pleased to hear that at least one reader has benefited. 😉 Congrats on the sale of your business to your son, I’m sure that will be a bittersweet moment. As for being nervous, take comfort in the fact that we all felt that way as we approached “The Starting Line.” It takes time, but I trust you’ll find the coming years to be the best of your life. I’m honored that you’ve made me a small part of your journey.
Fritz thank you for your article. Your ability to drill down to the absolute core of the issue is a God given talent. I love the analogy of a “God shaped hole” as it is so true. God is using you as you share your faith and I appreciate you. Keep on writing my friend.
“Your ability to drill down to the absolute core of the issue is a God given talent.”
Best compliment I’ve received this week. Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks for your post, and sharing Vinay’s story. I retired 3 1/2 years ago, but went right into caregving for my husband. With his and other deaths this past year, I find I am in Phase 2 “Lost & Loss”, and need to both work on those issues, and then move on.
I’m hoping I have the grace to give myself some Phase 1 time when I’m ready, but when you’ve experienced some significant deaths, Phase 1 “enjoyments” are affected by working on your grief, losses, and “lostness.”
Yes, it is all a journey, and I intend to find out also!!
Wendy
Wendy, so sorry to hear about your husband. Tough way to start your retired life. Hang in there, there’s a journey for you, and as you say, you just need to find it. Take comfort in the fact that 85% of folks go through Phase II, and after what you’ve been through it’s absolutely fine to take your time to work through it.
Great article! Awesome conclusions! Thanks for sharing this and helping all of us apply it to our own situations.
I always read your posts and always learn something. I’ve bought multiple copies of your book. But, As a retired career federal civil servant, I stopped reading this one when I read “Musk” and “DOGE”. With what’s going on right now with them taking over our Government and completely disrespecting Feds, I have no interest in listening to anything from this man!
“As a retired career federal civil servant, I stopped reading this one when…”
I respect that, TC. After committing your career to Civil Service, I can appreciate that this one hits pretty close to home.
Thank you. You are right, this is pretty raw right now.
Fritz, TC, THANK YOU for being respectful, civil and transparent in this thread. Your very brief dialogue gives a model as to how to model such conversations when we are discussing a potential volatile topic. Are either of you familiar with the organization, Braver Angels?
Civility is too rare these days, might as well foster it in my own space, maybe it’ll have an impact on others?
And no, I’ve not heard of Braver Angels, heading off to Google it now…
I have friends that currently work for the Fed Govt and they too have expressed concerns. However, most all welcome the accountability for tax spending and don’t feel that Musk or DOGE are taking over our government…rather bringing transparency for our tax dollars spent. I realize this is a sensitive situation for those Fed employees or retired ones who have served so diligently. Hopefully it will just open up more to all of us and bring value. Every private co or Govt dept needs transparency so this may end up helping us all with our tax dollars handled responsibly. As my good friend who spent his entire career w the EPA told me once ‘many of us work hard at the EPA and many are lazy and should be fired, but nobody will ever get fired…because this is a govt job…”
Since you took the time to respond to my comment, I will take some time to respond to you. I was a senior level Federal agency official with 37 yrs of service. You mention “bringing transparency for our tax dollars spent”…I was involved in developing budget justifications for our agency by working with OMB and Congress. These budget justifications and plans across most of government are made publicly available for each Fiscal Year – transparent. The activities currently being done by DOGE (which is not a real department) is almost completely opaque – not transparent. Also, this crazy offer to employees to resign/buyout or possibly lose their jobs is my proof that this Administration simply wants to destroy the government. The vast majority of people accepting this offer are motivated people with marketable skills that will walk out the door and make more money (brain drain), people like VA medical professionals, meteorologists developing forecasting models, scientists locating stores of critical minerals, law enforcement stopping drug rings and school shootings, etc. In my experience, the vast majority of people I worked with were not lazy. And, I went through the process of firing the few bad apples – it can be done. My last comment on this thread is this…whatever money is “saved” by these drastic actions will not benefit the vast majority of our citizens and will benefit the emerging Oligarchy.
I find myself in a similar situation (though my wealth is much smaller than his…mine is into the millions but not tens of millions). I retired and do not have to work. But…unlike him…I have discovered my purpose. I remember retiring and thinking ‘God enabled this season of life and for a purpose’. As a Christian, I know that God has created me and each of us for a purpose. First of all, God loved me enough to bring me into existence and to bring glory and honor to Him, a loving God. But how do I do that? It is different for each of us. I find myself with a wife, 4 children, and currently 4 grandchildren. So, obviously, I am to love and serve them. We start where we are. But beyond family, I have gifts, talents and passions that I can use to make the world a better place. I chose to do this thru my family, friends, my church. I desire to serve and bring value to others. My wife and I became a certified Chaplains and use that avenue as needed. Also, having been in the insurance and financial services business (that I owned), I can still use that knowledge and talent to benefit others. I still do a little work by referral only, but help others in that area even when I make no profit from them. My problem is that I have way too much in retirement to do all that I love, so I just think and pray about how to prioritize my purpose. Time is truly my most valuable asset. I commend his honesty and vulnerability. Many of us are just too proud to admit the truth. (especially us men) As he begins his journey to more deeply know himself and the God that created him….hopefully he will keep on that journey and when he is my age (70), he will look back upon this as his most fulfilling journey ever!
‘God enabled this season of life and for a purpose’
Barry, I could imagine no better mindset with which to enter retirement. I’m pleased to see he’s honoring your pursuits, and agree with your sentiment that hopefully Vinay will feel the same way in his later years.
I think for a lot of us, we pound the treadmill, then suddenly we realize we don’t have to anymore, and we look with eyes wide open and realize ‘it’s a big ‘ol world out there.’ 😀
Greg, great to hear from a “Fellow Mastermind!” Glad to hear the article resonated with you, best of luck as you pursue your next chapter with “eyes wide open.”
Great article Fritz! I appreciate your insights and especially agree that spirituality is a vitally important spoke in the wheel and one that is too often overlooked.
I enjoy your posts. Honestly, I enjoy your posts about “life” more than the ones that are just about finances.
Keep up the great work!
“I enjoy your posts about “life” more than the ones that are just about finances.”
You sound like my wife. Wink.
Thank you Fritz! We are 3 years into retirement, so this is definitely the R2T2: Right Topic at the Right Time.
Fritz. Thank you for sharing this story and for sharing that you are a Christian. I also believe that we have a God-Shaped hole in our heart, that only the Lord can fill. Thanks for your testimony. I have really enjoyed your blogs and perspective on retirement life.
Re: “The Lesson For Us” paragraph: well said Fritz! You are gifted at putting into words what God has placed on your heart. We need to spend time thinking about, discussing, and making decisions about eternal topics. After all, when time expires – and it will – there will only be two types of people: Lost and Saved.
“…when time expires – and it will…”
A great reminder for all of us on why investments in the Spiritual Spokes are the most important we can make. When we’re gone, that’s the only spoke that still matters.
I always love commenting on your work, but sometimes there is just no way to add anything of value, because you said it all.
I read almost all of your emailed articles and appreciate them. I am not religious, but your Christianity doesn’t offend me in any way. There are a lot of ways of being spiritual and/or connecting to something greater than ourselves. Thank you for sharing insights and commentary with all of us. My husband and I are 2.5 years into full retirement and we are not bored in the least! But we thought about our retirement in detail and well in advance.
“I am not religious, but your Christianity doesn’t offend me in any way.”
Thanks for that, Neelofur. Coming from a regular reader, that means a lot to me. Happy to hear your retirement is going well, I’m honored to be a small part of it.
Hi Fritz. First, I want to thank you for being on my Wealth On Any Income podcast. Although Vinay is young, he is experiencing the feelings and concerns many of us at an advanced age are dealing with. I am seriously working on retiring from one of my business pursuits, the online work. I told several people I would do this a year ago; but could not give up my work. Now I have a few people who will license my IP to continue to benefit people who struggle with money and finance issues. But I still have the concern I cannot just step away. This year I will be 77. I have had enough money for decades that I do not have to work for a living, which is why I can donate 100% of my profits to charities. But apparently, I do have to work for my emotional and mental health. I really appreciate what you write, and what you find to share, and eventually i’ll have to face the idea of not working on anything. We will see what happens this year.
“Now I have a few people who will license my IP to continue to benefit people who struggle with money…”
No more excuses, Rennie. It’s time to make the jump. That said, if it’s something you do “for my emotional and mental health,” look at ways you can keep the parts you love and shed the parts you don’t. Thanks for making an impact on the world with your work.
This is good stuff, I didn’t see that Apex Money post so missed it originally. I like the one advice of “embrace the nothingness” – in other words it’s ok to be bored or do nothing for a little while because most brains abhor a vacuum and then something will set fire and off you go. Cal Newport talks about this and there’s good social science behind it. Boredom is uncomfortable in the moment but can spawn the next great endeavor.
And funny how I did a review on Doc G’s book today on my blog, this guy should read his book!
Thanks for stopping by, Dave. You’re not getting the early worm award this time, tho. 😉
Fritz,
I am not a Christian, nor religious. However, when you say there is a spiritual spoke in our lives, I do not disagree. We often conflate spirituality with religion and I think that is unfortunate. I can be spiritual and not religious and, to me, that is not a contradiction. For me, I find organized religion, well, too organized. Instead of accepting a set of beliefs of a group, I prefer to choose my own set of beliefs to form my spiritual foundation.
So, even though you may be thinking of spirituality from a particular religious viewpoint, I can relate to what you are saying and it can speak to me.
As I said, Kurt, as long as you’re aware of, and investing in, your spiritual spoke, I’m ok with that. I could write an entire post on Spirituality vs. Religion. To me, what matters is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and I consider that a spiritual connection rather than organize religion. That said, once that relationship is in place, it’s nice to have a group of friends you meet to discuss spiritual issues, and I’ve found that most fitting within a religious organization.
I changed out a hot water heater today. We all know it has to be done by someone about every 20 years or so. I learned a little, saved a little, cussed a little, loved those that helped me a little, felt good at end of day, had a glass of wine and smiled a little. I’m not sure what I will be doing next or tomorrow, but I’m sure it will be a little of the above. I try to embrace the little blessings I’m given each day. Most of us overlook the miracles which are all the abundance of life on this tiny plant, the sun rising, the bright moon at night. God bless the next thing we do, we are only human 🙂
“I try to embrace the little blessings I’m given each day.”
A nice approach to life, Dickie. Congrats on that water heater. 😉
“Money does not buy happiness”
Almost always quoted by someone with money.
They need to learn how to spend it better.
At least can wallow in their troubles on the beach in Hawaii vs. surviving on a dead end service job.
The article is good and has valid points, but mostly for those who have made it in life.
Money tends to accentuate the values of the holder. This guy is thoughtful and reflective ad should do well.
“Money does not buy happiness”
Almost always quoted by someone with money.
They need to learn how to spend it better.
At least can wallow in their troubles on the beach in Hawaii vs. surviving on a dead end service job.
The article is good and has valid points, but mostly for those who have made it in life.
Money tends to accentuate the values of the holder. This guy is thoughtful and reflective and should do well. Can’t say the same for some lottery winners.
Thank you for reminding us about the BIG picture. We are all there.
I love what your are doing Fritz. Very inspiring, stimulating, and meaningful. I have found purpose in the “process” and in the “end.” Like you, as a Christian, I find incredible joy, purpose, and meaning in hope of eternal life and a new resurrection body. This is my “end.” The “process” offers meaning and purpose by way of personal growth, whether it be spiritual or psychological. The process of living in the question has its own purpose, which is to grow and expand through struggle and challenge. May we all have the peace and assurance of our end purpose as well as the challenge and the experience of “being alive” found in our day to day opportunity to live our best life.
“…which is to grow and expand through struggle and challenge.”
Brings to mind James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…so that you maybe be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Good reminder to embrace the struggle, Steve. Thanks for stopping by.
As a newly retired, 6 weeks so far, I have travelled and watch grandchildren. I am still feeling things out and learning to be ok, with only doing what I want. I love the analogy of the wheel, I look at my Christianity as the hub, and all spokes emanate from there. I am investing into my grands, looking for ways to help, even if it is as simple as clearing snow for a neighbour. Thanks for reminding about the basics.
Congratulations on crossing “The Starting Line!” 6 weeks in, enjoy the Honeymoon Phase! I like your concept of Christianity as the hub, actually a more appropriate way to think of the wheel analogy.