How much money would it take to change your life?

I think as a nation, we're obsessed with the concept of more.

Most people could use ''more'' money, ''more'' time or ''more'' stuff  in their life.

But last year, I realized that it doesn't take much to really ''change'' your life.

My life was forever changed when my husband gave me $10,000 to start ''a business''. I didn't have a plan, just a shared vision. We envisioned having a family owned business that provided enough income for us to both work there and to create good paying jobs within the Black community.



The $10K bought me some time. I had enough money to make a few mistakes. Some were costly, but because I had more money I could learn that lesson and keep moving.

The $10K bought some confidence. I couldn't help but feel capable about my abilities knowing that my husband trusted me to develop something for our family with this investment. He invested in me, and I invested my time and energy and this money in our family's future.

The $10K bought some respect for me as a business woman. I was able to approach every business meeting from a position of power. I had the power to say ''no'' and the power to walk away from anything that didn't serve our mission statement and purpose. I have developed a reputation for refusing any offer that is not in the best interest of our people. It also made family members look at me differently. I won't go deep into that one here. I'll work on another post about those details.

That $10,000 given to me early in 2003 is the reason we are free, homeschooling, business owners in 2015. My husband was laid off from his position late 2003, we found out I was pregnant in January of 2004, launched our newspaper that same month and haven't looked back. He worked a few part time jobs and sub - positions during 2004 and 2005 but since then, we've been full time in this.

I could have done this with $5000. Knowing what I know now, I could have done this with $2500.

I didn't know then how much my life would be shaped by that one act of faith my husband had.

But to my first point, we think we need ''more''. How many people play the super lotto hoping to win a million dollars so they can ''change'' their life? How many are waiting for someone to die and leave them some money so they can ''change'' their life?

I'm convinced that it doesn't take much money to change your life. It takes just enough money to ''buy'' yourself some time and confidence.

Confidence comes with a well thought out plan and research. To develop the plan, you need time. Sometimes confidence is developed be of someone's belief in you.

But really think on this if you're looking for a change. How much would it REALLY take, to change your life?

It could be the cost of plane ticket to a new city. It could be the cost of moving expenses to a new city. It could be the cost of one years rent in a storefront space. It could be the cost of an Apple computer and business cards. It could be the cost of a few classes at the community college.

How much money would it take to change your life?