It fascinates me how people automatically measure the word "wealth" in monetary terms. Having had careers that paid a respectable income many could say that I was "wealthy." But was I? My sleep and eating schedules were all over the place. Time spent with my son and friends was sporatic at best. I worked more holidays than I care to count. Sure, I had regular income and a relatively stable job but was I wealthy? I would argue that I wasn't - not at all.
Wealth to me is about more than money. Wealth, as I see it, is about having time to spend with those you love. Wealth is about sharing nutritious, homecooked meals with family and friends over meaningful conversation. Wealth is walking in nature as you fill your lungs crisp-fresh air while hearing the birds chirping in background. Wealth is sharing your gifts with the world in a meaningful way that impacts others. Wealth is SO much more than your financial investments, it's about investing in yourself.
For much of my life I have taken chances and reinvented myself. In my early 20s I was given a career opportunity that many people much older than myself would have yearned for. I recall asking how many had applied for the job and it was nearly 700 candidates - that was just internally. I felt fortunate to be one of 4 selected. I was able to buy my own car and home and take regular luxurious vacations. At the time I thought that was what life was about. As things changed and I took other opportunites - some abroad, I realized that life is not about your "title" or the car you drive, it's about connection. It's about community.
Fast forward nearly 3 decades later and I am finally having the career I have always dreamed of - working as a professional artist. Whilst the income is not as steady as it is working for "the man," it has allowed for me to continue to pay my bills, feed my family, and reinvest in supplies and growing my business. I know one day it will afford me to have a gallery where I can teach and share my art with the world. I wake up every single day feeling blessed and appreciative to be doing what I love.
Occasionally, I reflect on those who are absolutely miserable doing a job they hate, missing out on special moments with love ones and trading their time for a paycheque; former colleagues who routinely complained about their manager, schedule, lazy-co-workers or being denied vacation. I wondered why they didn't believe on themselves enough to look for work elsewhere or at the very least start something themselves. Perhaps they were crippled by fear and that fear was enough to keep them stuck and miserable.
I heard long ago that if you die before retirement your job will get posted before your obituary. I've learned that we are but "just a number" when it comes to working in a big company. There are the few fortunate ones who have found a career path and company that they enjoy, but this situation, sadly, seems to be the exception rather than the norm.
As I write this I think of all of you who have supported me in many ways. Whether it's simply subscribing to my newsletter, collecting my art, buying merchandise, or commenting on a piece, you remind me that I am on the right path. On those rare "wtf am I doing days," you remind me that I am not only making this work more colourful and saving people from naked walls, but that I am in my own small way creating a maginficant community of people who like myself, want to see others grow and succeed, not just professionally but personally. Because after all, that is the true measure of success.
I wish you all the joy in life that you deserve and I encourage every single one of you to find what sparks joy within you and share your gifts with the world.
Creatively
-Julie
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