True Wealth: A Poet’s Perspective

I've been waiting my turn.

Earlier tonight, I spent a few moments awaiting a poem. One written by a man who sets down his typewriter and brings our emotions, our dreams, our deepest hopes to life.

It sounds dramatic and the truth is: it IS dramatic.

I've been watching poet Bryan Austin slam into his future one insanely splendid phrase at a time. Mostly on Instagram - and I've learned to only open his posts before my makeup goes on in the morning, or well-after it comes off at night.

Before my feed was ever filled with Bryan's poetry, I bought his book: Paper Stars. I'd love to say I devoured it, but I can't. It was too much. Too emotional. Too devastatingly real. It took multiple sittings to get from one cover to the other.

Tonight, it was my turn.

I stood before him and, with tears already in my eyes, asked a man who inspires me not only with his writing, but succeeding in living his dream, to write something about my journey.

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RELATED: Click here to follow The Poem Press on Instagram and here to buy Bryan Austin's book.

Photo credit: Daphne Reznik

Blogging isn't my dream, this life is.

When you approach Bryan Austin, with the Poem Press ready to go, he asks what he can write about.

For me, tonight, it was inspiration. It was loving the life I have and not wanting to give it up. Knowing that I'm where I want to be, living with history on my doorstep, and, I repeat: not wanting to give it up.

And in the brilliance that landed to be about 100 words on a 5x7 sheet of paper was the key. Simply put, it started with the title: Life's the Key to Wealth. The phrases that followed from "awaiting towards the sky" and setting out for "this life I dreamed," he nailed it.

A necessary reminder and a gift.

The words on this piece of paper, written by a poet and set to be framed for me by the man who supports my dream in the home we share, are vital. He went with me to see Bryan tonight. (He even supported me to get inspired!)

These words serve as a necessary reminder to the Free At 50 life I'm continuing to build. They also serve as a gift, as inspiration.

There are so many reasons I left corporate life for good. So many reasons, I love the life I'm living now. I do love blogging, but my dream is the freedom, the health, the joy I get living life as a blogger. Surrounded by history, meeting people who motivate and inspire me.

And most importantly, having the ability to focus on the people I love. If you've read my 2025 post about my unplanned trip to California, you know what I'm talking about.

If you haven't read it, now's a good time to open that post in a new tab.

For now, I've got my affirmation on hand. A poet's perspective on true wealth- LIFE.

Cheers to professional freedom and becoming free at, around, or anytime after 50! (Just do it)

Photo credit: Daphne Reznik