“Strength lies not in what we have, but in what we can give.” Unfortunately, I cannot credit a wise master with this brilliance. I read it on the tab of my tea bag. The source does not necessarily alter the significance of the message, however.

In our society, so driven by fear, greed and competition, it’s easy to get caught up in the race, to get on the hamster wheel and keep running until we’ve collected the most, best, and most fantastic of everything! What we forget in our frenzy to accumulate is that someone will always have more. The second we enter the race, we’ve lost because it simply cannot be won. Material fulfillment is fleeting at best. And in our frenzy to acquire it, we lose sight of where our true power lies.

During the Going Good 365 workshop, I was amazed to find a list of 40 intangible, yet invaluable, items that shaped my view about where real strength comes from – knowledge of truth, freedom from ego, compassionate heart – are just a few that rang true for me.

The best part about is that there is no fear, greed or competition when your possessions consist of truth, freedom and compassion. There is only love. And unlike cars, clothes or castles, when you possess love, the more you have, the more you receive.

For me, the lesson is surrender. Learning to find wealth in an enlightened spirit is such a beautiful load off the shoulders. And once you let go, magically, you find security in the richness of the soul. Embrace the miracle of nature, of children, of selfless giving. And especially cherish the beauty within you – the prosperous heart that frees you of material possessions and empowers you with the might and power of love.

Sandra