It is not how much you have.

I believe at one point we have all heard this expression in some way or another: It is not how much you have but what you do with it that counts.

Recently this expression, unfortunately, comes to life in a more negative view, especially in modern-day society. It seems that at one point, probably in the early eighties, something in our collective psyche changes. Our relationship to money and modern comforts began to overtake values such as integrity, honesty, simplicity…and we have not gotten these qualities back.

TV shows, movies, music, fashion glorify excess. More is more (the only one I absolve from this is interior & film designer, Tony Duquette, God rest his soul).

It could be now, after 2020, that the pendulum of excess is swinging back to the middle of balance. I certainly do not advocate austerity and hardship…that would be an over-correction. But I do believe in a pleasant middle.

What is extraordinary, however, is that when we come across someone who really knows how to live, many times their life is filled with simplicity. Practicing the quiet elegance of enough, not more. Everything they have, their home, their food, their books, how they arrange flowers, their persona, all read quiet contemplation, deliberation.

If you want to be inspired for 48 minutes, click here.

Maybe having enormous financial wealth is not the mark of living a successful life…maybe working at a job we love, studying with passion, cooking with gusto, walking with no particular destination, taking care of our bodies, helping others, sharing our knowledge, dressing elegantly, and of course, setting intentions might just be the real measure of success.

And that will be enough.