I’ve won the Lottery
Posted by Ben Lumley on Mar 15, 2010 in Success | 47 comments
This article was written by Karen Ruby who writes about personal development and putting meaning into your existence over at her site A Meaningful Existence.
$50 million. Think about it for a second. $50 million. While I stood in line yesterday, waiting with everyone else to buy my lottery ticket for next week’s super-max, I thought about how much money that is.
I started to think about how my life would change if I were to win the lottery. Where I would travel, the things I would buy, the amazing new experiences that I would enjoy, and the people that I could help with the money. My life and those closest to me would absolutely change with that amount of money.
But, you know what? I’ve already won a lottery. In fact, everyone reading this article has already won the lottery. There are over 6 billion people on the planet right now. When I was born, I was given a 1-in-6 billion chance of being born in the circumstances that I enjoy today. That we all enjoy today. Don’t believe me? Go to the Global Rich List and enter your annual salary. If you’re anything like me, you’re already extremely rich. I’m in the Top 85% richest people in the world. How’s that for perspective?
It occurred to me that this “winning ticket” that I’ve been given is a major reason to be thankful and that I don’t express my gratitude enough. It’s so easy to go through the day, the week, and the month and complain about things in my life that I would change, that sometimes I lose sight of the things that I am truly grateful for.
This is not an exhaustive list, but here are just some of the things that I’m grateful for:
- First, I’m grateful that I was born in Canada. I am so proud to be a Canadian and I think that this is the greatest country in the world. I would not given up my Canadian citizenship for any amount of money. Not even for $50 million. I hope the majority of you feel the same about your countries. There are thousands of people from all over the world trying desperately to get into Canada and make a better life for themselves. We are already here and we should be proud of being Canadian.
- I’m grateful to my family for being there for me, in good times and bad. It’s true that you can’t pick your relatives but I’m grateful for mine, even though we argue and fight like crazy sometimes. I’m the youngest of 6 children so you can just imagine the get togethers that we have. I remember growing up with my 4 sisters and my 1 brother and all the hand me downs that I had to wear. We’re all pretty close in age and were the best of friends growing up. I remember the Christmases that we had growing up in our small 3 bedroom house in small town in Ontario. The presents would be stacked high. We weren’t rich but we never went hungry for food or for love in my family. My dad has passed away but I still have my Mom. I’m so grateful for that and even though her health is not the best I’m thankful that she’s still with us. She was staying with me recently for about 5 weeks and I was able to enjoy her company and her cooking. It’s so nice to be able to visit with her one-on-one.
- I’m grateful for all my friends who stick by me, who help me when I need it most and provide their companionship. We’ve had so many good experiences together. I hope that they find that I’m a true friend to them as well.
- I’m grateful to be gainfully employed in a career that, for the most part, is fulfilling and allows me to show my creativity. There are so many people who are unemployed right now and so many families that are struggling for the basics. I haven’t had to worry about money to buy food or worry about where I would live or what would happen to me if I lost my job.
- I’m grateful for my health and body. Yes, I would like to be more fit and maybe a little taller, but this body gets me to where I want to go and is with me in all of my experiences.
- I’m grateful to be born a woman. I’m sure that there are a lot of women out there who know what I mean when I say – I am WOMAN, hear me ROAR!
- I’m grateful that I was born in this day and age. I think that this is the best time to be alive. I know that the future will simply be amazing! I can’t wait for all of the exciting things that the future holds. Can’t you just imagine all of the technological and health advancements that will be made during our lifetimes? Civilians are now able to travel to outer space! Well, if you have the money, but it’s still possible. They’ve mapped the human genome. That’s simply amazing.
I’m also grateful to everyone who is reading this article and allowing me to express my gratitude.
I want to leave you with two questions;
What are you grateful for? and What are you doing with your winning lottery ticket?
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Ben Lumley writes about Success and Personal Achievement at 6aliens.com. He is a Personal Achievement Coach and Motivational Speaker.
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What a great reality check, and a great way to put things in perspective! Most of us have a hell of a lot to be grateful for if we only stop and look around us!
Yeah definitely Mick – when we stop looking around and comparing ourselves to others it's amazing how much we actually have.
Did you try the Rich list exercise?
Yeah I did… and it is scary just how wealthy I am compared to the world population…
Was a massive eye opener for me – thought I'd done it wrong to start with
Excellent Guest Post Karen. I think a lot of people need to realise just how wealthy they actually are. So much of modern day living is based on 'must haves' when in reality these things mean nothing.
Personally I do not do the lottery as I think a large sum of money will be demotivating because everything I've worked hard to achieve will be incidental to chance.
I think you've already hit it pretty big on life's lottery Matthew
Hey Karen and Ben,
Love your take on this Karen. You are right, we have so much to be grateful for….thanks for a great reminder… it puts things in perspective!
Hey Jen – glad you enjoyed it
Thanks, Matthew. I thought that we could use the reminder of how lucky we actually are.
Thanks, Jen. Knowing that we are so lucky compared to the rest of the world is a great reminder to be thankful for what we currently have.
Hi Mick,
Yes, we can be wrapped up in our day-to-day struggles and worries that sometimes we need to be jarred out of that insolated existence and think of how lucky we actually are, compared to so many people in the world.
I'm glad that you liked it.
Karen
I guess I 'll have to take inventory of my life…wow…
Great post and perspective on your life Ben! I know I write about a lot of the wrong doings in my life at this point but I am grateful to be making the money I am and my families medical be 100% free. It is a great feeling in the worst of times.
Thanks, Ryan. I'm glad that you enjoyed reading it.
Karen
Life inventories are cool – enjoy!
Yeah I think we all tend to look at negative when things are tough and see how hard the world is being on us but actually we're usually much better off than we think
I'm thankful for being here for one more day. I am thankful I have my family and I'm extremely thankful I'm where I am.
Having had nothing, I know how lucky I am to have a hot coffee in my hand never mind a roof over my head, Karen you truely are one of the most imaginative writers I have come across.
In terms on a winning lottery ticket, mortgage gone, house finished, Porsche Cayenne for my wife and boy and a 911 for me. And a bottle of wine for you for writing this amazing post
Karen,
I wanted to apologize, I meant to address my last comment to you and did not catch the mix up. Great post!
Thanks so much for the kind words, James. I'm really happy that you liked the post. We have so much to be thankful for that sometimes we need a gentle reminder. I know that you truly are thankful for everything in your life as you consistently bring up how much you have to be thankful for. It's true that we take for granted so many wonderful things in life.
Thanks again,
Karen
No problem, Ryan. Just glad that it touched you.
Karen,
That's one amazing post, I could feel your emotions and feelings as I read it. Thank you for sharing your feelings. It certainly makes us realise just how grateful we ought to be and how on many occassions we take things for granted.
Regards
Paul
I never bought a lottery ticket, and I probably won't in this lifetime.
I'm thankful for being a) a citizen of Europe and b) being a citizen of the world. I'm grateful for also living in this day and age, because it's the perfect time for me to manifest my creative vision with the help of the holy internet. I could go on for a lifetime, but let's leave it at that
Yeah echo Karen's words James!
Thanks for stopping in
Hey Paul
Gratitude is such an important part of life. You're right we often do take things for granted.
Hey Mars thanks for stopping by and commenting.
This world is such an amazing time for all of us to achieve anything we desire in life – thanks for the internet!
Hi Ben and Karen -
I'm grateful for the encouragement, inspiration, and thoughtfulness that everyone shares in this community.
This is a wonderful reminder that the most important things in life are priceless.
Thank you Kim for your lovely words. Really glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks very much for the kind words, Paul
Hi Mars,
I couldn't agree more – I am so happy that we are living in this age and not 100 years ago. I probably wouldn't even have been allowed to go to university back then, never mind all the other freedoms that we currently enjoy.
Hi Kim,
Isn't it wonderful that we have that sense of community here? And, thanks so much for visiting my site and leaving a comment. It's nice to meet you, too.
Thanks very much,
Karen
Having a wonderful family (my mom, sisters, and brother), a very loving girlfriend, and an interesting job are the things I'm most grateful for. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am, but I know that these blessings are greater than any amount of money.
I'm going to do the list after posting this comment.
I'm grateful that I have a nicer apartment to live in now and that we have food and people who care about us and also am very grateful that we have our first baby girl coming into the world very soon. That's the most precious gift God could ever give anyone, I think.
I am going to be looking for full time work here in the next couple of days and still put in what I can on my blog and do whatever it takes to give my little girl what she needs in order to make her life the best it can be. I want to give to everyone who has given to me and more.
What do you think?
What do I think? I think that your little girl is very lucky to have a daddy who will do whatever it takes to provide for her and her mum. I know how hard you've been working on your blog so it really touched me that you're going to put that to one side a little so that you can provide for your family.
I've been trying to get on here and finish reading this post since I read the teaser what feels like days ago. Did you really only publish this yesterday?! Wow, it's been a mental 24 hours then!
I am thankful for my lovely husband who works hard in his job to ensure that myself and the children don't have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Although I don't tell him often enough (but will fix that as soon as he wakes up) I really appreciate that I've been able to spend the past 7 years caring for our three children and only having to work a little here and then.
I'm also very thankful that because of his provision for us as a family, I have the opportunity to do what I do with Give A Brick. I'm having a blast and it would be much, much harder if I had a full time job as well.
I'm also thankful for my family and friends. Like you Karen, I'm one of six (but I'm the eldest so I had the privilege of changing my baby brother's nappies!) and we're very close. My life wouldn't' be as rich as it is without my family.
I'm thankful for all the wonderful people I've met online since starting blogging for GAB in January. In just two months I've met so many awesome people and this game would be very dull without them.
And finally I'm thankful to God for loving me and helping me stay (relatively!) sane on a daily basis. Without Him, I'd fall apart.
Great post Karen. Thank you for making me take time to stop and think about what a rich life I really have.
I am grateful for:
My family
My girlfriend who motivates me every step of the way
This world of opportunity
And lots, lots more.
Great work Karen! My life is definitely my lottery ticket and my winnings are whatever I want and make them to be.
Sounds like you're pretty lucky there Julius
I think I completely agree Eleanor. You're a really special guy Eric. Your daughter's going to love having you as a dad!
Hey Eleanor! Thanks for your lovely comment. Sounds like you've got a lovely family life there. Really pleased for you.
I'm so glad you liked Karen's post!
Wonderful sentiment – thanks for sharing it. Our live's are our lottery tickets and we choose our winnings.
@Eleanor: Thank you. I can't wait for her to be born and am counting down the days until she is. Having a child is a wonderful gift and as parents I think we should do what is right (not matter what) in order to make sure our children are the best adults they can be. We're not going to be perfect at doing so and they're not going to turn out perfect, but doing what we can is better than doing nothing.
@Ben: Thanks man. I hope she does love having me as a dad as much as I am going to love having my first little girl.
I appreciate the comments, both.
Hi Eleanor,
Isn't it amazing when you actually stop and think about what you are thankful for? You are one very lucky woman to have such a wonderful and rich life.
I'm very happy that you liked the article and (finally) found it
Karen
Thanks! It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for, too. did you try the richlist link? It really puts things into perspective, eh?
I'm grateful that you wrote such a fantastic title. It caught my attention and here I am!
I'm grateful for my wonderful wife who is also my best friend. We are newlyweds – 28th anniversary this year!
I'm grateful that I survived prostate cancer with no side effects.
Bunch of other stuff, too, but we don't want to get sappy, now do we?
Hey Jim – great that you dropped by.
Sounds like you're grateful for a lot of great stuff.
P.S Don't worry about being sappy
Karen,
You are right, we all have a lot of things that we should appreciate. I am grateful for being alive, aware, healthy, able to read and write and draw and walk and run and think and act and…
The list doesn't end. And when we are aware of all our blessings, then we can experience the joy of being alive and the love that the Universe is providing and we will be able to share this loving experience with everybody around us. Thanks for your inspiring post.
All the best,
Boris
Thanks, Boris. I'm really glad that you are already appreciative of what you have in your life. A reminder is never remiss though
Couldn't of said it better Karen – nice to have you here Boris