A lot of us see the word "rich," and automatically think of money. We most often think of a big house, a nice car, and luxuries that most of us only dream of having.

But just because someone has a lot of money doesn't mean that they live a rich life.

The definition of the word "rich" is actually "plentiful; abundant". So what really makes someone rich?

Harvey Mackay once said,

"Being rich isn't about money. Being rich is a state of mind. Some of us, no matter how much money we have, will never be free enough to take time to stop and eat the heart of the watermelon. And some of us will be rich without ever being more than a paycheck ahead of the game."

As Harvey Mackay said, being rich is a state of mind.

I am rich, but it has nothing to do with money.

You find out that you're a lot richer once you stop counting the amount of money in your bank account, and start counting the amount of blessings in your life.

Do me a favor.

Think about the things that matter most to you in life. The things you wouldn't want to live without.

Have you done it? Good.

Now think about your list. Were the most important things in your life, material goods? Chances are no. The things most important to you were likely your family, and friends.

Now I am not saying that your brand new car, or your new phone aren't important to you, because I am sure that they are. But when you think about happiness, it comes down to a lot more than things you can buy in the store.

I think the most valuable items in our lives, are things that no amount of money can buy.

So, when I think about the things that make me rich, here is what I think about:

I think about all the friendships that I am blessed with. Friendship is so valuable, and something often under-appreciated. Friends are people who choose to be there for you and love you and all your craziness. So instead of investing in stocks, invest in some quality friendship. I promise it'll make you feel richer than money ever could.

I think about all the opportunities I have in life. Whether they are things I worked for, or they are something I was lucky enough to be given, opportunities make me a wealthier person. Opportunities help us grow, and figure out who we are as a person, and they provide us with both good and bad experiences. From good experiences, we become wealthy through memories, and the things that experience brought to us. However, what you gain from negative experiences is just as important. It is from the bad experiences that you learn lessons, and those lessons will only help you grow into a beautiful person.

Everything happens for a reason, so learn to value each experience. Once you start doing this, you will find yourself becoming a richer person.

I could go on for hours about all the things in life that make me rich, but the bottom line is, none have to do with money. I am lucky enough to be blessed with friends and family that care about me. I am blessed because I have the ability to be whoever I want. I am blessed because I have so many things to be thankful for.

I live a rich life, because I live a happy life.

So, what makes you rich? A bank full of money, or a life full of happiness.

If you want to be rich, start investing in love and happiness.

And remember,

Always count your blessings, and not your quarters.