What is Considered Rich?

Introduction to Reflective Journal Prompts on What is Considered Rich

What does it really mean to be rich? Is it stacks of cash? Fancy cars? A sprawling mansion with a pool so big you could host a small fleet of boats? Sure, those things sound nice, but richness isn’t always about material stuff.

At its core, being rich is about having options—a luxury that not everyone gets to experience all the time. And when you think about it, options give you freedom. Freedom to choose, freedom to pivot, freedom to live life on your terms. That’s something truly valuable.

Now, I know conversations about being “rich” can feel a bit awkward or even touchy, depending on who you’re talking to. But here, we’re flipping the script. What is considered rich is really a subjective definition. Now I know you may be thinking, Dena -- this sounds like something a rich person may write. Maybe something a poor person might write to feel better about themselves, and I have to tell you in full disclosure that I have occupied the space of both from a financial aspect. What I've found in my travels is this -- money only gets you so far in terms of overall happiness.

The goal isn’t to measure your richness in dollar signs but to reflect on what it means to you in the grander scheme of life. Let's reflect on this as a personal definition without any "right" or "wrong" answers.

To help you get started, I’ve put together some prompts to guide you through defining your personal sense of richness.

Whether it’s about relationships, experiences, or those little luxuries that make your day, these prompts are designed to encourage meaningful reflection—with a dash of humor and warmth to keep things fun. Grab your pen, settle into your favorite spot, and let’s explore what richness truly means to you.

What does being rich mean to you?

Take a moment to pause and really think about it. Is it waking up in the morning without an alarm clock blaring in your ear? Is it having loved ones you can call at any hour? Or maybe it’s sipping your favorite coffee while the sun streams through your window. Whatever it is, jot it down. Think beyond bank accounts and credit scores. Consider the emotional wealth, the social connections, and the meaningful experiences that make you feel fulfilled. What makes you feel abundant in life, even on days when the bills stack up higher than you’d like? There’s no wrong answer—this is about your perspective.

Think back to a time when you truly felt stuck. Maybe it was a moment when you were faced with limited choices, whether in your career, personal life, or something as small as picking between two equally bad options for dinner. How did that moment feel? Was it frustrating, humbling, or even eye-opening? Reflect on what you learned from that experience. How did it shape your understanding of what it means to be “rich”? Sometimes, knowing what it feels like to have no options can make you appreciate having even the smallest ones later on.

Now think about a time when you had lots of options—maybe too many to choose from! Whether it was deciding between two exciting job offers, planning a vacation, or even just scrolling through a streaming service with endless possibilities (why is it so hard to pick a movie, anyway?), reflect on how it felt to have those choices. Did it feel empowering, overwhelming, or both? What did it teach you about the value of having options? Sometimes, we don’t realize how rich we are in opportunities until we take a step back and recognize them.

Let’s lighten things up a bit. Think of a time when you felt “rich” in a funny or unconventional way. Maybe it was that one time you found $20 in an old jacket pocket, or perhaps it was when you realized you were the proud owner of a drawer full of perfectly matched socks (a rare feat, I know). How did that moment make you feel? Humor can be a great lens to see richness in everyday life. Reflect on how those lighthearted moments of abundance can shift your perspective and remind you that wealth isn’t always about what’s in your bank account.

Take a deep breath and think about three things you’re grateful for right now. It could be the roof over your head, the friends who make you laugh until your stomach hurts, or the way your dog greets you like you’re the most important person in the world. Whatever comes to mind, write it down. Now reflect: How do these things make you feel “rich”? Gratitude has a way of putting things into perspective, reminding us that we have more than we often realize. How does focusing on gratitude shape your understanding of richness in your life?

Where do we go from here?

As you finish reflecting on these prompts, take a moment to soak it all in. What does being rich mean to you now? Is it about having options, finding humor in the little things, or simply feeling grateful for the life you have? Whatever your definition, know that it’s valid and unique to you. The beauty of richness lies in how we choose to see and define it for ourselves. So, keep exploring, keep reflecting, and most importantly, keep noticing the small moments of abundance that make life feel truly full. Your personal definition of “rich” is yours to own—and that, my friend, is a luxury in itself.

XO-

Dena