Living Simply: Question 12

When speaking with people about the type of life they want, sometimes the idea is just too vague for them to answer. One thing that helps is to ask them, "Who's your hero?" or "Who do you admire?" or "Who's lifestyle would you want to trade for, but not just some millionaire, someone who's living every day the way you would like to live?" Then it becomes a little clearer, and defining the perfect life becomes a bit easier.

So now I ask you, "Who's your hero?" These are a few of the typical answers I get depending who I talk to:


1. A famous person because they can travel when and where they want and choose what jobs they take or turn down.

2. An athlete because some people just want to be spending their life in a healthy body that's physically able to do things they would enjoy, like hiking, swimming, marathons, rock climbing, etc.

3. Mother Theresa is one I hear a lot in my Christian circles because they want to have the freedom from a job to devote their lives to helping others in need, especially in the poorest areas of the world.
This is not something exclusive to Christians at all; anyone can be kind-hearted and volunteer.

4. A philanthropist because yes, they have loads of money, but to be able to wake up every day asking yourself, "Who needs the most help today?" to improve their community, or health, or some other important area of life - that would make life very rewarding, indeed.

5. Many say they want to be like their mother/father/grandparent or someone in their family who went through a lot, overcame it, and became a mentor in the family. They would like the chance to be that person in their family for future generations.

6. A ___(pick a profession)___ to help others. Maybe you want to be a doctor who helps those in need, or a psychologist who can instruct and encourage others to climb over the obstacles of their past to reach the life they never knew they could achieve. Whatever the profession, maybe that's where you can find inspiration.

7. Some tell me if they had the money and no job constraints, they would serve in either their church, their community, the government, or some other position that would give them the authority to stop harmful practices and lead others to a fulfilling life of giving back to others.

Whomever you choose as your hero or heroes, figure out why you admire them, and figure out how you can become like them. What would it take? What sacrifices would be worth making? Then take intentional baby steps in that direction to find the life you always wanted. Peace be the journey.