Fat Spiritual Wallets

Of course, we cannot live without money. But, I sure don't want to live just to earn money. In fact, when financial problems crop up (often!), I remind myself about the wise thing that I have learned: Money is the least in the ladder of problems.

Because I work part-time and freelance, I find that, though the funds may be low sometimes, I am wealthy in another way: I have the privilege of having my own TIME. This way, I feel even wealthier than if I worked full-time, get lost in the rat race, and add more money to our budget.

With flexi-time, I think I am able to save money, too. I am able shuttle my kids to and from school--and never miss opportunities to be with them when I'm needed, make sure they do they homework (and they have supplies for it). I was approached by my son's classmate's mom, who asked to bring her son home, too--for a fee. I am able to take my time in the grocery, choosing the best price for the product. I am now able to give small gifts (unlike 2 years ago, when I couldn't afford to send gifts to anyone). It's a matter of being creative about purchasing. Did you know you can buy most supplies for half the price when you buy in bulk?

I also save on not buying books and magazines as I have time to read them for free in the library. If I tallied what I read and learned today, the 4 business magazines I read would have cost about $20.

Today, I learned about Women's Trust.Org, about an entrepreneur who microlends to Africa. I also read about
The 4-Hour Workweek author, Timothey Ferriss who runs a thriving business so efficently, be abandoned being busy for being productive. He has time to set a world tango record, pursue his passion for martial arts, and learn surfing in Brazil.

So I took a precious and needed short vacation with my cousins in Napa because I could. The time I spent re-charging my batteries by just being is priceless--more than any amount of dollars I can ever earn. To have time to hook up with my cousins, get to know them better, heal and re-connect, will pay off in ways that I cannot imagine.

My friend C and I discussed the importance of time at this point in our lives and reminded each other not to sell out our simple lifestyle to the complications of full-time. I am more talented in working with a tight budget than spinning around a dizzying and full schedule.

Since time is wealth, it is also worth sharing. Giving back is one luxury when you have time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only about 28.8% of the United States civilian non-institutional population, age 16 or over, volunteers any of their time to helping others. If you donate just one hour per week you will be in the top 15%!

And just for thought, I would like to share images of other people that are also wealthy with their time. To be able to stop and smell the roses, turn your hobby into a business, and to notice the small treasures in life make their spiritual wallet truly fat.


Brentwood resident Karen Berg of Re-doux Furniture re0finishes outdated and used furniture into vintage or funky pieces. She charges $30 an hour for her work. Way to go!


Antioch resident Nana-Dictta Graves is an artist from Ghana, Africa who has become renowned in the USA for using everyday materials like candy wrappers, seeds, rice, even lint, to create her meticulous mosaics.


Winnie Kubick from Brentwood turned her talent for hand-sewing into a business. She makes custom hand-made baby blankets and beddings.

I hope you can discern the things that matter to you, and plan your schedule around them. . .