If You Want To Be Wealthy, You Need To Know This

Do you want to be wealthy? I'm going to share something with you today that you really need to understand - on a gut level - before you can make it happen.
Even if you learn all there is to know about money (how to make it, save it, invest it), if your relationships with others - or yourself - are dysfunctional, you'll never reach your full abundance potential.
In the past, I used to bitch, moan and complain (aka commiserate) with certain people because it seemed to bring us closer together. Misery likes company, so I feigned misery so these people would like me. I didn't want to make anyone feel jealous or envious either, so I talked myself down. It seemed so PC (politically correct).
I learned the hard way that this didn't do anyone any favor. I curbed this behavior... and I grew wealthy and happy.
I hear from these individuals now only when something difficult is occurring in my life. But when I'm all smiles and gratitude, I don't hear a peep from them. Similarly, a reader suggested recently that I make some people feel depressed by expressing my satisfaction, gratitude and happiness. He/she thinks that I should express more humility instead.
I know that my blog's traffic might increase if I discussed the mess my latest bookkeeper made of our financial records, the hit our retirement accounts have taken during this economic downturn, the exhaustion I felt during our recent move, or the disturbing mystery behind my still missing sister-in-law.  We all know that bad news sells. The media is full of tragedy, fear and despair because it works to increase circulation and readership.
But I don't want to write about bad things, even if it would drive my blog's traffic to new heights. Sure, bad news sells, but I don't have anything to sell.
If I focused on hardships, I'd feel like a car wreck on the side of the highway - the type that drivers can't help but slow down to gawk at (even though we know it's what causes the horrendous traffic jam).  I'd be attracting negative thoughts into my mind, and people that choose to focus on negativity into my life.
I write to express myself, and to share the steps I take to live a fuller, richer, happier life. By doing so, I actively practice my intentions and keep aligned on what is important to me. It brings a higher caliber of relationships into my life, and it gives me the strength to deal with the occasional curve ball thrown my way.
Here are some things I've learned by attending the University of Hard Knocks:
We become the company we keep.  Like attracts like. Be negative and you'll attract negativity; be positive and you will attract positive relationships into your life.
Limit your exposure to toxic people.  We all have them - friends, family or co-workers - that seem hell-bent on bringing us down to their level.  Immunize yourself from their poison by maintaining healthy personal boundaries. Don't be a martyr, learn to say no. Be a positive role model instead. Perhaps you'll inspire them (when they are personally ready) by modeling a different, healthier attitude.
Envy and jealousy will get you exactly what you don't want.  Acknowledge these feelings, then release them and let go. Compare yourself not to others, but only to your best self.
Don't be pressured into humility.  Definitions of humble include:
     - cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
     - low or inferior in station or quality
     - marked by meekness or modesty
These definitions don't fit with a healthy, positive self-esteem.
Choose to use different language. The language you use directs your actions and therefore the path your life takes.
Limit your exposure to mass media. Pull the plug on bad news. Be selective - record uplifting, humorous and educational programs and keep the boob-tube turned off otherwise.
Focus on the bright side of life. I promise - there is always a bright side! What you think about is what you will get. Practice this skill by keeping a gratitude journal.
Stop looking in the rear view mirror.  Live your life from this day forward.