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Am I Prosperous?

Good question. Are you?

Prosperity is all over the news lately. “Will 2011 bring prosperity to the affected?” “Will people prosper in this new year?” And so go the main-stream media headlines. I get it; they measure prosperity as monetary gain and proportional to your possessions. It is nice to have things and the money to pay for them.

There are others out there that insist prosperity has nothing to do with material possessions and we would, in fact, be better off with less…much less. Things are burdensome, and hamper one’s ability to reach true happiness. If your thoughts are on the next payday, how can you possibly be completely in the moment? That sounds good too!

Websters says ‘successful; thriving; economic well-being; abundance’ (there’s that word again). I did a little survey with my Face Book friends and most agreed prosperity has an economic component. The other common theme was good health. I say all of the above.

If you’re in the best health you can be, have enough money to do what you want, and be aware enough to leave everyone and situation better than you found it, I’d say you are very prosperous.

To me, prosperity is a path; not an end in it’s self. It is something to strive for every moment we are aware. And, Surprise! I have a few suggestions to help you (and me) on this prosperous journey.

Give.

You can give money to charity, or give of yourself. Ever been in the checkout line at the grocery store and the person in front of you didn’t have quite enough for their groceries? It would feel real good to help if you could. Or shovel your neighbor’s walk, or mow the grass. Just holding the door for someone feels good.

Receive.

Graciously accept what someone offers from his/her heart. You are edifying that person when you do, and it’ll make you feel great. I guarantee it.

Gratitude.

Show the people you love that you are grateful for them. That includes yourself.  Tell them and yourself at least one thing everyday that is special about them. It could be the way your daughter did her hair, or the way your spouse made you smile. positive thoughts spoken out loud are the best way to create a happy environment in which you can prosper.

The road to prosperity starts with the right attitude and if you practice giving, receiving and gratitude, you’ll be well on your way.

Peaceful prosperity;

Joe