What It Means to Be Rich

Being rich isn’t just about having a huge bank account or a closet full of designer clothes. Real richness is something that shows up in the quality of your life, not just the quantity of your stuff. It’s about waking up excited for your day, feeling loved, and having the freedom to enjoy the things that matter most. Some of the richest people you’ll ever meet might not look wealthy at first glance, but they live with purpose, peace, and joy—and that’s worth paying attention to.

Here are ten ways to think about what it really means to be rich:

Having time to do what matters most

There’s a special kind of richness in not feeling rushed all the time. When you have control over your schedule, even if just a little, you can spend your time on what truly matters to you. That might be reading a book in the morning instead of checking emails, lingering over dinner with your family, or taking an impromptu walk just because the weather is nice. When your time isn’t completely spoken for by outside demands, you feel free—and that freedom is worth more than any paycheck.

Being surrounded by people who love you

If you have even a few people in your life who really know you and still love you, you are doing better than most. Close relationships are what we look back on at the end of our lives. They’re what we miss when things get hard. Having people to laugh with, cry with, or simply sit in silence with—that’s the kind of wealth that never gets old. And you can invest in this wealth every single day by being present, being kind, and showing up when it matters.

Experiencing physical health and vitality

It’s easy to overlook how rich you are when your body works well. But anyone who’s been sick will tell you—being able to move freely, sleep soundly, and eat without restriction is a gift. If your body feels good most days, don’t take that lightly. And if it doesn’t, there’s still time to start making deposits into your health account. A walk here, a healthy meal there—it all adds up to a kind of richness that helps you fully enjoy your life.

Waking up with a sense of purpose

There’s something incredibly energizing about knowing what you’re working toward. It doesn’t have to be a big mission or a perfect plan. Just having something you care about—a goal, a cause, a person—can make the difference between drifting and truly living. Purpose gives your days a shape. It helps you push through the tough stuff and find meaning even when life is messy. That’s a kind of wealth that carries you through anything.

Not needing to constantly compare yourself

One of the best signs that you’re rich in spirit is when you stop needing to prove anything. You can scroll through social media without feeling envious. You can celebrate someone else’s success without it stealing your joy. You no longer feel the pressure to keep up or compete because you’re content with your own path. That kind of confidence and peace is the fruit of gratitude, and it’s one of the sweetest rewards life can offer.

Having freedom from financial anxiety

Money isn’t everything, but it does matter—especially when you don’t have enough. There’s a quiet kind of wealth that comes from living within your means, having a bit of savings, and knowing you’ll be okay if something unexpected happens. You don’t have to be rich in the traditional sense to experience this. What matters more is your relationship to money. Are you in control of it, or is it controlling you? When money becomes a tool instead of a source of stress, your whole life feels lighter.

Feeling at home in your own skin

Richness is being able to look in the mirror and like who you see—not in some perfect, polished way, but in a real and grounded way. You know your flaws, your strengths, your quirks, and you’re okay with all of it. When you stop chasing approval and learn to trust yourself, you find a deep inner wealth that no one can take from you. You become more comfortable being yourself, and that makes everything else a little easier.

Delighting in beauty and wonder

There is so much richness available to us in the simple things, if only we take the time to notice. The way sunlight spills through a window. The sound of laughter from the next room. The smell of fresh bread. These little moments of beauty are always around, but they often go unnoticed when we’re in a rush. When you start to pay attention, life becomes far more vibrant. For people of faith like myself, this noticing can become an act of worship. Appreciating beauty with reverence and awe is one way to experience the nearness of God in everyday life. It’s a form of praise that doesn’t require words—just a posture of wonder and a willingness to see the sacred in the ordinary.

Being generous because you want to be

True wealth is being able to give without needing anything in return. When you feel like you have enough, you start wanting to share it. That might mean giving your time, your attention, your money, or your encouragement. Generous people are rich in the best sense—they overflow. And oddly enough, the more they give, the more they seem to have. Giving is one of the fastest ways to feel wealthy, even if your bank account doesn’t look all that impressive.

Sleeping well at night

When your life is aligned with your values, when your relationships are in a good place, and when you’re doing your best with what you have, you tend to sleep better. That peaceful kind of sleep—the kind that comes from a clear conscience and a content heart—is one of the best markers of a rich life. You can’t fake it or buy it, but you can absolutely cultivate it by living in a way that feels right and true.

So yes, money is helpful. But the richest lives are often full in ways that money could never buy. If you’re aiming to be rich, make sure you’re counting the right things.