My (en)Rich List

The things which make me feel rich

Early morning visit to Kew Gardens

In my writing group book club we have been reading The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna. I have read quite a few books about writing and creativity, but I have never both enjoyed and been inspired by one as much as this one. As we discuss it together as a group of writers, so many thoughts about our need to write and how to meet that need are chewed over, and after each meeting I find my brain swirling with thoughts and questions. Usually, this results in hitting the journal to work the answers, lists of ideas or scribbled thoughts on post-it notes on my desk.

Last night we were thinking through the thorny issue of money. We all know it is extremely difficult to make a living from just writing books. Most writers have other sources of income, whether it comes from another person or another job.

How much money is enough? What do we absolutely need money for, and what is it nice to have money for. Or, in other words, Must-Have and Nice-to-Have Money. The answer is of course, different for us all: we all have differing commitments and requirements.

The more interesting question we then asked ourselves was, what are the things which make us feel rich?

There were lots of similarities in our answers, which is maybe not surprising for a group of writers. Money is essential, but there is so much that enriches our lives that mostly cost very little money.

I realised very quickly, the things which enrich me and make up my rich list are also the things which inspire me to write.

---

My (en)rich list

• Wearing flip flops all day

• Taking photographs of flowers

• The first cup of tea of the day in the garden

• Choosing and starting a new book

• The scent of sweet peas in my garden

• The scent of honeysuckle and jasmine on a warm early summer day

• Running freely for as long as I can

• People watching in cafés

• New note books

• Visiting bookshops

• My 7am outdoor yoga class

• Walking on my own in London with no planned route

• Early morning visits to Kew Gardens

• Writing with my fountain pen

• Picking flowers from my garden

• New make up

• Sitting outside until late in the evening

• Reading The Wind in the Willows

• Biting into a perfectly ripe juicy peach

• Visiting art galleries

• Looking at art

• Making art, even though I’m not very good at it

• Weekends with my husband

• A cold gin and tonic on a warm summer evening

• Writing in my cabin

• Flowers on my desk

• Time spent with close friends

• Receiving cards and postcards

• Weekends in our campervan

• Swimming in rivers on hot days

• Floating along the same rivers in our kayak

• Reading a poem each day

• Starting the day in a cafe with good coffee

• Creative conversations about books and writing

• Witnessing our nephews and nieces grow into fascinating people

• Wearing dresses

• A new nail polish

• Writing in my journal

• Eating tomatoes straight from the plant which my husband has grown

• Cooking for friends and family

• Outdoor theatre

• The first English strawberries of the year

• Richard Curtis Films

• Looking at old family photographs

I could have carried on and on, which is perhaps a lesson in itself.

I love reading other people’s posts that contain lists, so I hope you have enjoyed mine. If you would like to share what is on your (en)rich list in the comments below, I would love that.