Everyone knows that having money is a sign of prosperity. There are, however, some people that have millions of dollars and are not prosperous. I understand your shock. I was shocked myself when I read in Bob Proctor's book about millionaires who died sick, broke, alone or mad. Clearly these were not prosperous people. James Ray likes to say, "There are people who "spiritual" but they're sick and broke all the time." I am in agreement with James. This is not prosperity either. So, what is prosperity?

I have learned over the past year that prosperity, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I have a goal of having a five million dollar net worth invested with a 10 % return that gives me a passive income of $500,000 a year. Someone that I know has a dream of having a net worth exceeding $400 million dollars. Is her goal to have more prosperity than I intend to have? That is a trick question to which the answer is no. Her goal is definitely to have more money than I intend to have but remember that money does not equate prosperity.

Do not misunderstand what I am saying about money. It may seem that I am saying that money is not important. That is the last thing that I am saying. Money is extremely important in this society. As our main tool of trade today, money is necessary for everything that you would want to do or have. Without money, you cannot even eat, which is definitely a necessity. Money is important. So since it is not all about the money, what is it about?

Prosperity is a mindset that allows peace of mind. We each get to define prosperity for ourselves. I choose good friends, a close family, a comfortable lifestyle and work that rocks my socks off as prosperity for me. So, I know that I am being prosperous by how my relationships feel. When I am having good conversations and lots of fun with my friends I am being prosperous. At 2 am when I need to talk and I reach out and someone is there for me, I know that I am being prosperous. Being a loyal and supportive friend and a good listener is a part of being supportive for me.

I am not close to my extended family, but my immediate family is my second priority. When my children are happy, healthy and bursting with joy, I know that I am being prosperous. Every day that my husband and I still love and adore each other is another day of prosperous living for me. Some of my friends are like family to me and their involvement in my life makes me feel prosperous beyond measure. I know that I am loved and I believe that love is the ultimate treasure. When you are truly loved, you are the richest person on earth.

What is important to you? What do you adore? What truly makes your heart sing? When you can answer those questions and then orient your life around those things, you will find that you are a truly prosperous person. What about money? The money will come. There are practical matters, such as planning, investing and wise spending habits that must be established, but real wealth comes from being in love with yourself and your life. You cannot define wealth or money in the way that anyone else has for their priorities are not your priorities. So, how do you define prosperity?

About the Author

LaKeitha Simmons is a wellbeing coach for women who want to live divinely. She supports women and teens in uncovering and living their wildest dreams. For more information, please visit www.breathingprosperity.com or e-mail lakeitha@breathingprosperity.com.