Wealth is so Much More than Money
Get ready for Barbara Friedberg’s upcoming book, ”How to Get Rich; Wealth Building Guide for the Financially Illiterate.” (sign up above for first look)
I signed up months ago to build with Habitat for Humanity with our temple’s service day. I try to give back, love to build, and was excited to finally work on a Habitat home. Come Sunday morning, and I wasn’t feeling too energetic. Was this really how I wanted to spend my Sunday? Actually, I did not want to go when the time came.
Wealth in Life
I didn’t say anything to Jr. Carina, my daughter as we drove to the site. I was pleased the site was only a few miles from our home and it’s always a treat to have some mom and daughter time. (Always try to look at the positives 
) During the orientation I was fascinated to learn that Habitat builds homes for folks world wide and each homeowner must contribute 500 hours to the construction of their own home.
I was still thinking about all the work I could have done had I stayed home.
The funny thing was, as we started measuring, cutting, drilling, and hammering I started to enjoy myself. Luckily, the sky was crystal blue and the temperature mild. We continued carrying the lumber, measuring, and building a complicated (for me) fence. At 10:30 there was a snack break and sandwiches for lunch at noon.
On the drive home, Jr Carina said she had so much fun she wanted to do it again next week. In spite of staple gunning insulation to the inside of the house, high on a scary ladder, she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. When asked what was the most fun, Jr. replied, “Doing something important and working with the homeowner.”
HOW HABITAT TRANSLATES INTO MORE MONEY
I came home physically exhausted, more tired than I’ve been in a long time. Yet, paradoxically, I was also clear headed and motivated to do a bit of work. I put the finishing touches on the final edit of How to Get Rich; Wealth Building Guide for the Financially Illiterate and sent it off for the last pre publication steps. I tackled some other work duties with enthusiasm. How could 5 strenuous hours of challenging outdoor work leave me so motivated to do my paying work?
Doing something totally out of your routine offers your body and mind a mini-rebirth. Your endorphin’s, mind, body, and imagination have a chance to bloom. The result is unexpected vigor.
The takeaway, schedule in the unexpected. Get out of your routine. Don’t worry about “getting everything done,” because life is never complete. Have an adventure and savor the beauty of the free opportunities life offers: time with kids, friends, hiking, giving back, and being creative. That’s what a wealthy life is all about!
And getting a bit of work done when I came home…. well that part will translate into more money.
ACTION STEP:
Get a notebook and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.
2. Get off your butt and do something different with someone special.
Barb Recommends:
- Faithful With a Few; Little Single Days – Dealing with anxiety as a believer.
- Broke Ass Mommy asks; Where does time dwindle away to?
- Beating Broke; Are You a Patient Purchaser?
- Little House in the Valley; Setting Goals that I’ll Accomplish
- You Have More than You Think; 13 Insanely Easy Tricks to Trim Your Grocery Bill Without Couponing
- Wisebread; Reverse Bucket List
Barb Across the Blogosphere
- Yakezie Carnival at Narrow Bridge Finance
- Finance Carnival for Young Adults at One Cent at a Time
- Carnival of Financial Planning at Family Money Values
- Carnival of Retirement at Simple Budget Blog
What invigorates you and adds to your wealth in life?
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and forget your “to do” list. That’s for sure! I’m glad you enjoyed your volunteer day. Sounds like fun. Thanks for including my link! And I can’t wait until your book is published.
Little House recently posted..How to Finance Your Self-Build Home
@Little House-So true. It’s so much better to take a break once in awhile and get off the “shoulds” merry go round.
Barb recently posted..LIVE A WEALTLHY LIFE; MY DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Thanks for the link love, Barb!
I almost always regret signing up to volunteer. Strangely, I volunteer pretty regularly. But I don’t recall a single time I gave back and regretted doing so after the event ended.
Shawanda recently posted..5 Places to Find Free Online College Courses
Sounds an interesting way of building houses. While there are small community projects over here – and of course some folk project manage their house building themselves – I don’t think there are similar approaches. Must check and see…..
John@MoneyPrinciple recently posted..January – Time To Get Financially Fit
Personal involvement is very invigorating! I started volunteering in July for just a few hours. There much more of an emotional attachment when you actually spend time versus just writing a check. I was hooked after the first time.
krantcents recently posted..How to Prepare for 2013 or Any Year!
@Shawanda, I’m glad I’m not the only one with initial cold feet!
@John, Habitat is international, but I can’t say whether it is a force in the UK. The future homeowner was very appreciative.
@Krantc-I need to volunteer in an activity I’m interested in or I am just resentful. Habitat and tax prep for low income folks have been my favorite volunteer activities.
Barb recently posted..LIVE A WEALTLHY LIFE; MY DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
That sounds like a wonderful experience. I have friends who’ve taken part and your experience sounds similar to theirs. I enjoy volunteering at a local school for disadvantaged children called Faith Love and Hope. It’s fun to help these kids get a different view of life than they’re getting at home.
AverageJoe recently posted..College Planning Strategy: A Creative (and Effective) Option
Great post Barb! I LOVE Habitat, I’ve been able to partake in building three homes over the last two years and want to do it at some point as a family. After working on the second house, I learned about the 500 hour requirement and think it’s a great way to make those receiving it feel more connected to it. I know absolutely nothing about working with my hands, so if I can do it then I am confident many others can.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..How to Take the Emotion Out of Investing
@Joe, The school volunteering sounds fun too. Working with kids is really fun and fulfilling.
@John, Yes, it doesn’t require a ton of skill. I drilled, hammered, carried wood and measured. All quite straight forward. It was great participating with our daughter.
Barb recently posted..LIVE A WEALTLHY LIFE; MY DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Sounds great! So glad that the day turned around for you and that you found it motivating
I want to volunteer with Habitat, but they don’t work in my area unfortunately. They do some great work.
Anne @ Unique Gifter recently posted..Malibu Mail – Random Acts of Kindness
@Anne, I’m surprised they aren’t in your area, but maybe they’ll start a house there sometime. It was really fun.
Barb recently posted..LIVE A WEALTLHY LIFE; MY DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Barb, I am so glad that you decided to go against your body’s wishes. It’s amazing how doing that work made such a big impact on you and your daughter. I must say that having met you in person, I can’t imagine you ever lacking energy!
Khaleef @ Faithful With A Few recently posted..How NOT to Get a Job
Perhaps, yes. I live in a small town. The nearest HH is 2 hrs away, in another province.
Anne @ Unique Gifter recently posted..Malibu Mail – Random Acts of Kindness
[...] FRIEDBERG @ Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance writes LIVE A WEALTHY LIFE; MY DAY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Wealthy living through service to others; more money [...]