The Kharisma Magazine The Kharisma Magazine (Full) Premiere Issue | Page 216

216
{
Key to Happiness:
Your Personal Wealth
I was reminded early one morning
of a personal, seminal event. Over
twenty years ago, I tendered my
resignation from a corporate
career that had defined me for a
decade. I loved the challenges and
opportunities business leadership
afforded, but also knew it was time
for me to grow in a different way.
WRITTEN BY MAURA SWEENEY
My corporate departure coincided
with the birth of my first and only
child, but it was uniquely and,
perhaps, cosmically timed. I had
learned most of what I’d hoped
to gain from corporate America
and had no further aspirations
along that path. Separating from a
title and enviable income to gain a
sense of personal worth appears, at
I
Once disclosed,
however,
our personal worth
delivers us a key to
happiness that
no job, circumstance,
or person can
ever claim.
least initially, a paradox. However,
I was aware of my tenuous identity.
My business success had always been tempered with realism.
Knowing I was replaceable, I never collected personal items and
photos to grace my office or desk.
“A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden
treasure inside is hid.” ~ J. R. R. Tolkien
The quest to find my own worth apart from a position and
income didn’t end with leaving work. It was just the beginning.
Freed from corporate constraints, I meandered into otherwise
unfamiliar realms and started to become acquainted with
myself. Pursuing a few personal passions and interests, I
discovered some hidden and latent talents. Exploring different
opportunities, I realized I could learn new skills.
f you’re looking for a key to happiness, focus on your personal wealth!
Yes, your personal wealth.
I’m not referring to stock portfolios, liquid assets, or real estate. Instead, I’m honing in on
your inherent — and unique — self-worth. We all have it, but most of us lose sight of our
own value as we work toward outward goals, markers, and other external pursuits. There’s
a world of wealth living inside of you, and finding your personal wealth and putting it to
use will always make you happy.
In addition, when encountering challenges, I learned that there
was strength and creativity within me that could overcome
them. While travelling, I met others from different backgrounds
and disciplines where great exchanges took place. I soon
realized that my talents and skills were contributing in unique
ways to others’ lives.
As each new year approaches, we often take stock of our past and vow to make our future
better. In doing so, we consider engaging in activities that will elevate us to a better form
of living. For some, that translates into more exercise and better eating habits. For others,
it involves applying greater discipline to studies, relationships, or career.
Somehow, the talents I’d gained in corporate life melded and
grew with more recently acquired ones. My personal journey
helped expose me to opportunities, experiences and insights,
and enabled me to view myself in a new and rewarding light.
As dawn follows night, I gradually became illuminated. I came
to see that my very being and essence was quite valuable – to
Whatever you’ve placed on your list of goals for this year and beyond, don’t overlook the
pursuit of happiness. Happiness is the obvious — if not, always remembered — desire we
all share. Oddly, happiness is a value that can get frequently overlooked when planning for
what we believe is better, higher, or even richer.
A key to happiness in life is discovering our very own personal wealth.
Image: Anastasiia Kazakova/Shutterstock.com
B U I L D I N G
Y O
U R
B R A N D
P R E M I E R
I S S U E
2 0 1 8
}
K H A R I S M A
M A G A Z I N E
myself as well as others. The growing
awareness provided me with a deep and
rich sense of happiness.
Not too long ago, I’d attended an intimate
seminar. Delivered by an industry pro,
this training was rather pricey but would
ultimately improve my digital skills.
Before we began, I had an opportunity
to meet my fellow classmates and
inquire of their respective interests and
businesses.
In typical fashion, my interest turned
to innovation and I offered up a few
creative ideas. Conversation continued
during our breaks that day and I was
inspired to share more: contacts,
resources, and suggestions that might
add to others’ marketing and branding
models.
By the end of the afternoon one of the
attendees remarked, “I got more out of
meeting you today than I did from attending this expensive
seminar. You’re a font of creative wealth!”
I laughed at the comment but knew there was truth to the
statement: I AM a font of creative wealth. And I love knowing
that it’s in me, of me, with me, and part of me.
You don’t need to leave behind a paycheck as I did in order to
find your own personal worth. Each of us has the capacity to
access our inner treasure. It’s awaiting our discovery.
You, too, can do the same in your own personal fashion. Like
discovering long-hidden and untapped natural resources, each
of us possesses a treasure waiting to be brought to light. Our
wealth is found through a variety of means, circumstances, and
opportunities.
Once disclosed, however, our personal worth delivers to us a
key to happiness that no job, circumstance, or person can ever
claim. You realize that you are your own motherlode – standing
in the flesh.
Whatever the time of year, remember this key to happiness:
Any time is the right time to discover the vault of your personal
wealth!
About the Author: International Speaker, Author, Podcaster and creator of
the Foundations of Hap