on November 11, 2025
Many people I know have more wealth than they realize. For them, the definition of wealth is narrow, only encompassing what can be found in your bank account or in your investment portfolio. To me, however, the definition of wealth (or “Self-Wealth,” as I’ve called it) is much broader. In addition to finances, it includes one’s Purpose and Hope (I have written several blog posts on these topics). Purpose is crucial because it provides direction and drive. And Hope is equally important because it gives you something to work toward—something on the horizon.
Wealth can also be found in many other aspects of life, if you keep an open mind. Someone’s family could be both their purpose and their wealth. Having a home, food on the table, and books on the shelves could be viewed as wealth. Or having a healthy body or mind can be a sign of wealth. Additionally, the moments we spend with loved ones can be indications of wealth—the holiday gatherings, the weekend movies, the family trips, the coffee meet-ups with friends. These moments uplift us, fill our cups, and give us little boosts on gray days.
Essentially, wealth is abundant for many people if they choose to open their interpretation of it. But unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have some of the wealth that many of us take for granted.
Spreading Wealth
People’s self-wealth can deplete in many different ways. A person might be financially stable, but lack a supportive social network or family. Or, someone could have family and friends, but lack stable housing, good health, or even literacy. Or, an individual might have love and support, but lack the basic funds to eat well and live well.
While we cannot know the details of everyone’s “wealth situation,” we can pick up on clues that let us know when someone is less-than-wealthy. Maybe an elderly neighbor mentions that no one visits her anymore. Or perhaps a co-worker expresses his concern about his daughter’s chronic illness. Another sign that someone may be lacking self-wealth is a depressed outlook or stormy demeanor. “Wealthy” people—those who are hopeful and purpose-driven—do not usually have this disposition, which means your negative co-worker or friend might need a little boost, something to lift their spirits.
When considering how to share your self-wealth with others, it’s a good idea to take specific actions. Invite your lonely neighbor over for the occasional dinner, start a meal train for your co-worker with the ailing daughter, deliver your gloomy friend some flowers or have a frank conversation with them (depending on how close you are) about seeking the help they need.
On a broader scale, you can spread wealth by donating to specific charities or causes, volunteering for nonprofits you care about, or participating in charitable events such as food drives. If you’re unsure of which organizations to support, I suggest taking a look at Charity Watch, which rates nonprofit organizations based on how they use charitable gifts, their transparency, and more.
This season, I encourage you to examine your self-wealth to see just how much you have. If you find your wealth lacking, this could be a wakeup call to make some changes. If, however, you find that you have more wealth than you realized (looking broadly at your life), you might consider sharing some of that abundance with others. In my experience, giving to others is often the gift that keeps on giving.