“What are your plans for today?” A friend asks me regularly.

“Getting an attachment for my outdoor grill” or “writing” or “cleaning a friend’s mom’s house as she’s in the hospital” or “helping a neighbor” are common answers. By not overcommiting to things I don’t like to do (book clubs with stuffy books, board member duties, working a long-hours jobs I hate), I’m able to give freely of my time.

It’s the kind of life I want to live. It was rewarding to clean a house for a stranger. Our friend has started a new job and is juggling that with hospital visits. Cleaning is a way we can help take some of his stress away.

We also get to regularly visit our other friend’s three dogs- while he’s at work. We’ve given them baths and played tug-of-war and fetch.

We are rich in life, although by most standards not rich in money. We are debt-free and our cars are older (and paid for!).

What does your dream life look like? What changes can you make today to move toward it?