Susan Biali

Last month I gave my “Make Someday Today” keynote to a group of hospital-based health care professionals.  I had told my life story during the presentation and, during the question period that followed, I made a self-deprecating comment about the fact that, though at this moment I live a rather abundant, even cushy, life, when it comes to my bank balance and assets, “I’m not rich”.

The event organizer got out of his seat, stood next to me and said, into the mike: “BUT - you are rich in many other things.”  To my surprise, the audience cheered and clapped loudly in response.  I suddenly didn't feel so bad that I don't own a million-dollar home in the hills - could it be that that doesn't even matter?

What would a truly “rich” life look like, and feel like, to you?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately – I’ve had so many opportunities recently, “up North” – meaning anywhere north of my beloved base in Los Cabos, Mexico.  My husband and I have been talking seriously about moving up to Vancouver for a while, with the plan to spend a few months a year down south in Mexico.  My already-thriving coaching business  would grow exponentially if I had a “real” Vancouver office to see clients, in addition to the international phone coaching that I already do; I could make the most of every single media opportunity that comes my way; I could give talks several times a week to local groups; I’d be able to stop spending thousands on air-commuting back and forth between Mexico and Vancouver…

Financially, it’s a no-brainer.

But what do I give up?  Going to sleep listening to the waves on the beach, knowing that there’s an endless strip of deserted white sand outside, just waiting for me to go for a walk if I need to think, or unwind.  The feeling of belonging to a small, tight community, a place where I know so many people and so many know me.  My early-morning flamenco classes teaching and laughing with Leslie, my flamenco protégé, and watching from the sidelines with pride as she dances her solo on stage, as a wonderful new aspect of what used to be my "solo" flamenco show.  Saying “buenos dias” to everyone I pass on the street.  Having "Girl's Day" at a different local beachside resort every few weeks, which means getting together with my friends Sherry and Christina and critiquing the various amenities and the all-important quality of the beach lounge chairs as we crunch on big, yummy salads.

What will I care about more in the end, my retirement savings balance, or the delicious fulfilling life that I lived?  So far, following my heart has paid off, big time.  Maybe I’m not “rich”, but oh what a life it’s been for the last few years.  What if in continuing to honour my dream life, in the long run I might turn out to benefit BOTH emotionally and financially?  This is a theory I would love to continue to test.

What do you think about this?  What makes life rich for you? I’d love to know.

I’d also like to introduce you to my friend and mentor, who inspired this entire blog post: Tim Richardson, who I met at the National Speakers Association Convention in San Francisco, at the beginning of this year.  Tim speaks and writes about “Living Rich”, more specifically about “how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions”.  Check out his blog at www.richestpeopleinamerica.com .

Dr. Susan Biali, MD is an internationally recognized wellness expert, life coach, speaker and writer, dedicated to helping people live their dreams and create better balance, health and satisfaction in their lives. Dr. Biali speaks internationally, and her opinions and advice on health and life appear regularly in print, radio, and television media across North America.  An expert for HealthyCanada.com and HealthyOntario.com, she writes three nationally published columns on wellness, nutrition and life balance.  Dr.Biali is the author of the upcoming book Your Prescription for Life! Seven Steps to Extraordinary Health & Happiness.  www.susanbiali.com

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