On Winning 1 Million Dollars

On a run recently my mind was racing with ideas. The mind-racing thing actually happens whenever I am not sleeping. Just so you know. Oh, and sometimes my mouth and mind are racing. And somehow I have friends, a family that speaks to me, and a boyfriend. I don’t drive everyone crazy with this trait.

Back to the story of my run…

I had spent my morning writing before the run. While running, I thought of two more post ideas and wanted nothing more than to come home and write for a few more hours. But laundry and a other responsibilities were waiting for me. Then the idea struck me:

If I won one million dollars I could write all day!

I could write on my blog, guest post more often, launch two other sites I have planned, write the two books in my head, and work on a big photography project that I desperately want to start. It would be great to dedicate my time to these creative endeavors, but things get in the way of what I really want to do. Laundry, cleaning bathrooms, and picking up Lego pieces are a few examples of what is time-consuming in my home on a regular basis.

During the remaining run time I worked out what I would do if I won one million dollars.

Here’s what would stay the same:

  • The house I live in.
  • The car I drive.
  • My circle of friends.
  • My boyfriend.
  • The work I do.

Here’s what I would change/do:

  • Pay my girlfriend’s legal bill.
  • Hire a cleaning service for 2 times a week (then I wouldn’t have to do laundry!).
  • Buy an iPad for my sisters and me.
  • Hire an Apple consultant to teach my youngest sister what it is and how to use it.
  • Make sure my passport had a new stamp each year.
What this exercise tells me is that I am on the right track with work; I am doing things that I love and feel fulfilled. I would never quit my job because of the windfall. And, most important, I am also happy and fulfilled in my life. I could not say this about work or my life four years ago.

Try making your own list. I bet, like my list, some of the things are attainable without a million dollars.

For Song of the Week this week I am sharing Regina Spektor’s song “Folding Chair.” It works perfectly today because I am building a business that allows me to work anywhere. With that one million dollars, I could relocate us to a fabulous beach location for the summer, working and playing each day.

httpv://youtu.be/h_2KnNCSCPo



Happy Friday!


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Comments

18 responses to “On Winning 1 Million Dollars”

  1. Jen

    Ha! She actually got a kindle fire for Christmas and figured it out! With a little assistance from Jim ;)

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      I can’t believe it!

  2. I have said the same thing. There is not much I would change, but it would be great to not have to worry about bills. I would travel a little more and get a new recliner. Other than that, I love my life.

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Just like you with the recliner, I would have that one purchase. For me, it’s an iPad.

  3. What a fun post and an enjoying read!

    If I had a million (extra) dollars these things would stay the same:
    ~my house (though I’d push up the planned renovations!)
    ~my Honda Fit
    ~my Buddy125 scooter
    ~my laughter
    ~my gratitude
    ~my spending habits

    If I had a million (extra) dollars these things would change:
    ~I’d work PT, or possibly not at all
    ~If not gainfully employed, I’d go to school and/or pursue professional certifications
    ~I’d blog more
    ~I’d attend several blog conferences per year
    ~I’d take more vacations
    ~I’d hire a yard service (Yard work is my nemesis!)

    Like you, while there are things I’d change, I’m on the right track and more-or-less satisfied with my life as it is today. It’s a good feeling!

    Happy Friday!

    Chrysta

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thanks for sharing your list Chrysta. I loved it!

  4. Isn’t it nice to be exactly where you want to be in your life? With or without a million dollars, things are overall just how you want them? That is a lovely, blessed place to be. I’m almost there….

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      I am so happy you are almost there. It has been great to watch your development as well. :)

  5. I love the idea for this post. There are a lot of things that I wouldn’t change. But, like you, I’d definitely look for a cleaning service. That’s one thing I wouldn’t miss at all.

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Not changing a lot is a good sign we are on the right track. Glad to hear you are as well Kim.

  6. David

    I like the cleaning service idea. Although I’m pretty sure I’d buy better booze too.

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Booze and cleaning service for you then! LOL.

  7. I think of stuff when I am running also, and repeat it over and over in my head to try to remember what my absolutely brilliant blog post idea was. Usually I don’t remember it, or I do and when I sit down at the computer and then realise, that, uh, not so brilliant after all.

    If I won a million bucks, would keep the house and pay it off, keep the job, buy a new car before I went home that day. And stop at the humane society and adopt more dogs!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      I always think that what I am composing on the run is never going to make it to the Mac. By the time I get home, I have forgotten that great opening or quote I wanted to use. It’s frustrating.

  8. This morning I woke up with a similar thought in my head…I was whining in my head that because of my 2nd and 3rd jobs, I only get ONE solitary day off per week (which is still a gift and a blessing in and of itself)…and that it would be fabulous to meet a rich man to be my boyfriend. Then, I paused and thought, no…what I REALLY want is to fall in love with a great man (probably not so rich himself) and then win a million dollar lottery TOGETHER.

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Enjoying the million together is better than marrying for money. Go for love and you won’t regret it. :)

  9. I love this!! I especially love that you pointed out what WOULDN’T change. :)

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thanks Jenn. It was a great exercise. I made The Boyfriend do the exercise. I was happy to discover not much would change in his life either. That meant a lot to me as it tells me we are both very happy with our careers and our lives. I want to be with someone who is also happy.