There are people who have money and people who are rich.
Some dear friends of mine live in Antibes, France. While they may not be “rich” by social standards, I’m betting that 90 percent of the population would trade lives with them in a skinny minute.
Their lives are filled with the things that money cannot buy: love, community, time and a lot of laughter!
True wealth is not defined by how many digits we have in the bank. (Tweet it!)
Rather, it is found by living lives that are filled with things that matter: love, experience, community and a whole lotta’ good food and wine.
As a side note, I also have friends with millions in the bank who don’t feel they’ll ever have enough. When do we get to decide that enough is enough?
The School of Self-image is all about richness: abundance, ease, elegance, beauty, and everyday luxury.
While I adore seeing a woman own her worth and reap the benefits of her labor, it also deeply saddens me to see her putting her life on hold to feel rich.
I want you to feel rich now because…
When you feel rich, you attract more richness. (Tweet it!)
So, what’s the secret? Well… if you want to be rich overnight, you must first live like you already are (by this, I don’t mean maxing out your credit cards).
Add one or more of these to your daily rituals (the more you do, the richer you’ll feel!):
:: Only spend money on what brings you joy, peace, nourishment, or ease.
:: Make quality time for family and friends a non-negotiable.
:: Dress in your best outfit for no real reason, other than you’re worth it.
:: Focus on quality: quality food, relationships, environments, everything!
:: Simplify life: get rid of the things that drain your energy.
:: Make a date to meet a girlfriend for lunch or plan a weekly Ladies Luncheon!
:: Kiss your lover.
:: De-clutter your life.
:: Empower yourself with financial savviness.
:: Take bold risks.
:: Plan a dinner party for your closest friends. There is so much luxury to be enjoyed with food and friends.
:: Have a proper afternoon “English” tea.
:: Throughout the day, appreciate ways your life is full of abundance.
:: Buy a luxurious soap. Preferably, French (but I’m biased, of course).
:: Open your bank account and be thankful for whatever is in there (even if it’s less than $10).
:: Bless your credit since it was there to help you when you need it. And, then begin to play with ways to pay it off (little by little)
:: Be a giver: of your time, support, and/or money.
:: Remember this: There are over 3 billion people in the world who have no running water in their homes. Be grateful for abundance on every level.
:: Buy a bottle of wine and some nice cheese. Bon appetit! (It could cost less than $30.)
:: Write a love letter. The truly rich have a lot of love in their hearts and lives.
:: Choose one desire that requires a sum of money. Begin funding it, even if a small amount, on a monthly basis.
:: Watch Breakfast at Tiffany's in your coziest pajamas and with a sensual candle lit.
:: Read poetry (Here’s one of my favorite books that is always by my bed).
:: Clean your car and keep a clean home. This will significantly add to a life of ease.
:: Maintain good hygiene. Treat yourself to a mani/ pedi once in a while!
:: Memories are better than materials. Choose to collect those instead.
:: Change your money mindset: instead of thinking “If I only had (X)”… be grateful that you have what you need.
:: Get creative: there are so many clever ways of adding luxury into your life without spending a dime! DIY gifts can sometimes be the most meaningful.
:: Spend time outdoors. This is one of my most favorite (and free) activities to celebrate life and be mindful of how rich it is.
:: Create your own idea around wealth. Is it a healthy bank account, a debt-free life, spending time traveling and exploring quality time spent with loved ones, or all of the above?
:: Learn about wine. You will appreciate the taste and its process while showing off your knowledge around the dinner table.
:: Don’t buy fakes. Choose to shop at consignment stores to dress up your wardrobe but avoid knock-offs. They’re simply not classy.
:: Refine your taste in food. Maybe you already indulge in life’s finer fare, but if you don’t, discover the glamour and elegance of being a foodie.
:: Respect time. Nurturing your self-image is about ease, which reflects how we use (or abuse) our time. Take time out of your day to breathe and be.
:: Prioritize your to-do list. Not everything needs to be done right now, but some things are more valuable. Focus on those.
:: Be present. Focus your thoughts on right here, right now; not yesterday or tomorrow.
:: Have good friends to laugh, cry with, and lean on.
:: Show compassion to everyone. Be graceful in disagreements and celebrate others’ achievements.
:: Never stop learning. There is an infinite amount of richness that comes from learning from others, the world, and each of us personally.
:: Travel. Even if you’re doing it on a strict budget, get out and experience the world.
:: Ask questions. Again, there is a wealth of knowledge that others can teach you. Be curious and imaginative.
:: Say what you mean and do what you say. Integrity and sticking to our convictions are key in developing and maintaining respect from others.
:: Don’t take life for granted. Enjoy it, regardless of what your bank statement tells you.
:: Don’t be afraid of new opportunities and growth. If one enters your life, embrace it, be thankful for it and be bold enough to know you can do it (if it feels right), whether or not you see how that’s going to happen.
:: Indulge in the beauty of fine literature. There are so many great books to discover and great conversations that can arise from them.
:: If you do something, do it with all you have. Don’t second-guess or put your energy into something if it’s going to be less than your best.
:: Take inspired action. Stop waiting for something to happen. If you want it to, take steps to receive whatever it is you’re after.
:: Think about money (and spend it) logically. Ask yourself: is this something I have to have? Sometimes, the answer is yes; other times, no. Spend with that POV.
:: Choose to earn money doing something that you love. If your passion and drive is behind it, your work will not only be better but you’ll also want to be doing it.
:: Challenge yourself. A life of mediocrity is not what the School of Self-image is about. Choose wisely if a worthy challenge presents itself and know that you can absolutely overcome it.
There you have it: My Get Rich Quick Scheme!
Do you have any Get Rich tips? Share in the comments below.
In Love and Riches,
Tonya
The Self-Image Manifesto
You’re Invited To Live An Extraordinary Life!
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Hello! Great post! I love reading your blog. I agree with your definition of richness. However, it took me two years to get here once I made my mind up, as I had to change my habits, focus on my new purpose of pursuing Love, instead of money, and allowed myself to gradually ease into the new lifestyle I wanted. For me, there was no get rich quick, it was more the slow and steady wins the race, as I savored every melting moment from old to new. Cheers!
Hi Trina,
Thanks for stopping by and your comment. I agree it is a journey. However, I do believe with a simple shift in awareness, you can quickly feel rich. Then, it's about a daily practice, over and over again.
xoxo
Hello! Great post! I love reading your blog. I, too, am obsessed with all things French. I agree with your definition of richness. However, it took me two years to get here once I made my mind up, as I had to change my habits, focus on my new purpose of pursuing Love, instead of money, and allowed myself to gradually ease into the new lifestyle I wanted. For me, there was no get-rich-quick theme; it was more of a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race gesture, as I savored every melting moment from old to new. Cheers!
Thanks Trina! The best get rich scheme ever (but not often taught) is to show deep appreciation for the riches you already have! Cheers to you!
Thank you for this post, I just love your blog and your messages. I have shared a few of your Frenchie Fridays on FB! I live in CO too! (in the Denver area) we just moved here a year ago and love it!....I have struggled with my weight my ENTIRE life. Food has always been a drug for me, and therefore I have viewed it as the "enemy" and have tried so many diets, pills, cleanses, potions, workouts, you name it! This past year I have got up to my highest weight of 284lbs..I knew something had to change and it was all about my mindset. I have learned to enjoy the little things, change my perspective about what "joy" is and what "accomplishment" is and really relish in the small things. This past two weeks, I have really opened up and sharing my weight loss journey on Instagram (@hothappyhealthylife) and just being open, honest and supporting others in their journey has been SO enriching. I DO feel more rich and this post couldn't have come at a better time. I have always been the one "waiting" for life to happen and waiting for things to get better to really LIVE. I am seeing I can do that right now. I don't need a million dollars in the bank, own a home and have a huge rock on my finger to feel content. Thank you for your inspiration! xo
Hi Jennifer and Fellow Coloradan!
Thank you so much for sharing the FKL love!
I can completely relate to your weight story. I spent many years of my life overweight and at war with my body. No diet in the world could fix what was going on deep within myself.
It sounds like you're on a beautiful path, and you are inspiring others on your way!
Cheering you on!
I adore this list! It really demonstrates all of the ways we are rich, right now! I am excited to realize that many of these I am sure to be grateful for every day. For example, I indulge in literature all of the time; I've loved my summer of reading! Speaking of the summer, I've spent so much time outdoors that my skin is beautifully sunkissed and I feel richer for it! Thank you for this reminder! Sharing this post!
Bonjour Shawna,
Sounds like a decadent summer! I'd love to hear about some of your favorite books!
xoxo
I love your blog too and your posts about everyday luxuries. Today, mine are fresh tomatoes, sweet corn (I live in Indiana) and Concord grapes from my vines. I'm going to attempt to make a pie with these grapes. I also bought a bottle of Italian red wine that was recommended to me by another shopper at Trader Joes. It's always fun to talk about wines!
Warmly,
Kathy
Thanks Kathy Anne! Everyday luxuries are the best!
Being a Southern girl, I love tomatoes and sweet corn! A grape pie? I've never had one, but it sounds delicious! And, yep...I could talk wine all night!
xoxo
Tonya! I absolutely love your list posts. Really. Keep shining, girlfriend!
Summer
Thank you Summer! And, you do the same.
I absolutely adore the way you've presented this. It's funny how many of the options you shared are NOT (as you say) about the digits in the bank. But truly, they feel abundant and yes - RICH!
With gratitude 🙂 xxo Eva
Thank you Eva! The beautiful thing is that the "richer" you feel, the more aligned you are with attracting those digits too!
Have a beautiful weekend!
Tonya I love what you do and your messaging, I am on your newsletter list! But I have to say, I live in France since 2009 and it's definitely a HUGE struggle for people over here! They don't have the magical freedom lifestyle that we can experience in north america. The concept of creating their own destiny is quite foreign to them.
It's sad, but I speak with a lot of people about here on la cote d'azur. Though I love what you do, sometimes that french kiss lifestyle you describe isn't actually a reality for the real french people. It's a little bit misrepresented.
For me this has been one of my biggest struggles because I don't fit into their "system" (nor agree with the socialist president) but yet I live here and I am integrated into the society, pay my taxes, deal with their ridiculous bureaucracy, despite a lot of conflicting values. There are tons of things I do appreciate like their family values, and taking time to enjoy life, that "2hour lunch break" but mainly I see a lot of people here succumbing like a slave.
Anyways, still love what you're all about! Just had to get that off my chest!
I'd love to hear your input though. Maybe I am misunderstanding something!
Hi Brittany,
I really appreciate you stopping by and sharing your perspective. I have spent a lot of time in France, and some of my best friends live in the Cote d'azur (Antibes, to be exact). Yes, I agree. And, like most things in life, I take the things i want to incorporate into my life and focus there. I'm also aware that the French (or many cultures) don't have the freedom that we have. Many of my French friends are amazed at how easy it is to start a business in the States, for example. Yet, I do LOVE their appreciation for good food, wine, family and quality time. I have always pondered the question, "How could we take the best of both worlds"? And, it's still one that I'm figuring out. And, I believe it's possible. Ad for the French lifestyle I talk about, it's simply this: quality, connection and living with style. And, I also know that not every French person lives in such a way. One can never overgeneralize any culture.
Thanks SO much for being a part of the community!
I agree with Brittany and Tonya. I am American and French and have lived here (in France) basically all my life. I find myself very privileged to have the best of both worlds. There is however a rising movement, in an increasingly large part of the population, of people who embrace the magic of life and it's beauty.
Like you Tonya "I believe it is possible" and am witnessing it every day. The States have been an inspiration to a new way of life in France: optimism, belief in life and success despite our government!
J'adooore! I just love this post, Tonya. You completely capture the essence of being rich. I just copied it and will pick a line or two every day. A few weeks ago an English friend recommended you to me and I am so happy she did.
Hugs from Paris (or rather very near)
Great post - lots of really helpful ideas. For me I think the most important element right now is appreciating and enjoying what I already have - I'm lucky enough to own a house and garden: I have a lot of work to do to de-clutter the house and weed the garden - but adopting the FKL approach helps me to see it as a way of creating beauty and luxury in my life, rather than as this big chore that I have to do.
I'm also in the process of making changes in the kind of food I eat to eating more healthily and with a controlled weight loss plan. I find a major key is to slow down and really savour and enjoy my food - and finding out 'less is more' and I actually don't need to over eat.
Thanks Merlina! Yes, I hear you. It took me a while to figure out how to listen to my body. Now, I teach women how to eat until the point of 'elegant satisfaction'. And, they find their happy weight as a result. Sounds like you are on the path.
What a lovely post! I am lingering with it and already feeling the shift. So glad I got to meet you in Portland during the summer. It was by accident as a person I just met invited me to your gathering at a local hotel...but nothing in life is really by chance. Blessings to you Tonya!
Oh Kathy! So great to hear from you. No, nothing is by chance. Glad our paths crossed! And, hope they will many more times.
I resonate with this on every level.
Thank you Tonya for sharing your experiences and how life shifted for you and continues to expand into 'RICHES' of all kinds.
I am not anti-MORE.. I am pro-Elegance.
Many years ago I read the autobiography " Dancing on my Grave" by Gesley Kirkland.
Something that has stayed with me through the years was Kirkland's glimpse at a Russian ballerina's dressing table~
Everything was laid out as a precious treasure.
That imagery was profound to me. If we perceive everything we currently own as precious treasures, we are RICH.
The gift of gratitude is one you give to yourself~and then it unfolds like a endlessly blooming flower. Suddenly, life becomes truly sacred and the whole world becomes a "Precious Treasure" to be shared with others.
AND COFFEE! <3
Hi guys wow that's all I can say:-)