Being Grounded has Nothing to Do with Money

When my children were very young, an acquaintance came into our home and, while standing at my front door, looked around and said something like,  “How can your kids be so grounded with all of this?” I was hurt at first, but I put it aside. It is twenty-plus years later, but I will always remember that comment. This man and his family are now among my all-time closest friends. His daughter became my daughter’s best buddy, and his wife is like a sister to me. We all had some serious growing to do.

My mom said this to me when I was still in school: “Love people for who they are, not what they have.” This has been a key value in our lives forever and one that I have worked hard to successfully pass on to my children. Being grateful for all we have and sharing it makes life work for me and makes it all so much more special.

And always stay humble and kind (a great Tim McGraw song). Our friends come from all walks of life: some are billionaires, and some have modest resources. We love them all equally and learn from everyone. There is nothing I hate more than a fat ego or a showy personality.