“I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine
Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen.”—Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars
I didn’t make Forbes’ list of billionaires in 2012. Unlikely, I’ll make it this year either. But I do know a secret that makes me deserving of the list.
I know with complete certainty that the world is limitless, abundant and strangely-accommodating. I also know that anything I could ever need or want is as easy to manifest as plugging in the toaster.
Take this Wednesday, for example, I’m flying to Belize to visit Mayan pyramids and to snorkel along the world’s second largest reef. Next month, on my birthday, I’m flying to the Cook Islands where I’ll undoubtedly snorkel some more and stay in a couple five-star hotels.
Those billionaires? I doubt they could spare the time.
In fact, the only difference between me and “The Donald” is I choose not to carry my riches around. It’s comforting to know that anything I could ever want to do is available to me, but why flaunt it or drag around a bunch of material baggage?
In fact, I’d like to argue that amassing $7 billion, the dollar amount Trump claims to be worth, is not that different than hoarding old newspapers, leaky buckets and all the other junk collecting in the homes of the dysfunctional folks we watch on the A&E show, “Hoarders.”
No, my role model is Peace Pilgrim who, when she was very young, made an important discovery: “Making money is easy.”
Which is why she could give up her earthly possessions and walk around the world with nothing but the clothes on her back. As she said about her 28-year-old journey, “Life is full. Life is good. I have a feeling of always being surrounded by all of the good things, like love and peace and joy. It’s like a protective surrounding.”
That’s all anyone really needs. To know with sure conviction that “the world is limitless, abundant and strangely accommodating.”
It’s not the “stuff” you want. Jesus could never have brought Lazarus back to life and multiplied all those fishes and loaves if he’d been preoccupied by the desire for a beachside residence.
That said, I do not want to make you feel guilty for wanting a big home in Malibu. There is not one thing wrong with a big home in Malibu. Or anything else you want. Want it. Walk toward it with all your heart and might. Just know that there are higher rungs. And know that most people hoard material things out of fear. And fear, after all, is what we’re attempting to move away from.
One Response
You live with great vision and inspiration Pam Grout. I’m so glad you are a soulful writer who shares your discoveries with the world. Lets celebrate your birthday when you come back to L.