Tag Archives: wealth

Hafiz – Poem 31

February 26, 2026 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

All images created by Rebekah Marshall’s prompts using AI on Gencraft.com website.

I am reading Hafiz’s Little Book of Life, poetry by Hafiz-e Shirazi. He is challenging me to become more comfortable with ambiguity. I will share his poem and some of my thoughts on his poem (sometimes with the help of experts when the concepts are too hard for me), followed by a poem and some art inspired by his poem.

Hafiz’s Poem 31:

Our hands are short

The dates
High up on the tree

Some thoughts:

There are so many different directions this poem could go. The dates, out of reach so high up the tree, could represent a goal, a desire, nourishment, or a promise of sweetness, joy deferred. In Hafiz’s Persian culture, they would have been a staple, part of many recipes as a sweetener. The inability to reach the fruit could represent our human limitations, our need for community, or the recognition that we must learn to think outside the box. There are ways to get to the fruit that don’t involve growing longer arms. We can climb, get a ladder, shake the tree, wait until it gets ripe enough to fall, ask for help from others, etc. Perhaps the poem is asking us to ponder our needs and determine what it is we most need to learn from the situation. Do we need to develop patience and wait for the fruit to fall? Do we need to learn to ask for help and get support from our community? Do we need to develop some initiative and do some problem-solving to get our needs met? Do we need to take a class in date harvesting to gather more information about our dilemma? Like I said, there are many ways to look at this and any of them could be a great lesson, depending on our circumstances.

My Poem 31:

I want to be rich enough to pay
my bills on the day they are due,
if not early each month.

I want to be so rich, the only thing
I worry about is who to help next
with the extra money I’ve earned.

I want to be the kind of rich
that goes grocery shopping
without tabulating a total as I go.

I want to be richer than it takes
to retire all the great-grandparents
in our family so they can rest.

I want to be the richest person
who still drives a Toyota Camry
and lives in a multi-generational home.

I want rich written all over my receipts
for paying off every school loan
for every relative and friend I know.

I want richer than rich opportunities
to flow into every household of every
human on earth who wishes others well.

I want to richify our schools, hospitals,
libraries, daycares, nursing homes,
and animal shelters with infinite abundance.

Hafiz. Hafiz’s Little Book of Life. Translated by Erfan Mojib and Gary Gach, Hampton Roads Publishing, 2023.

Essays, Writing

Millionaire Success Habits (Book Review)

February 3, 2026 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

Since starting my trading journey, I have been reading many financial strategy/growth mindset-type books as part of a book club on one of my platforms. I have not been very impressed with many of them. Millionaire Success Habits by Dean Graziosi was a much more enjoyable read. Not only is it written in down-to-earth, simple language, but the anecdotes, advice, and examples are relatable and realistic. Some of his ideas are a little unconventional but make a lot of sense.

One such idea his suggests is to work on strengths rather than weaknesses. So much focus is spent on trying to improve our weaknesses in our competitive culture, but why? What if we put more of our energy into focusing on our strengths and passions? Then we can hire people to do the parts we don’t excel at. It’s a win/win. He has excellent advice on short bursts of intense focus on one task to achieve more than when we multi-task. He develops the idea that relationships with our employees and customers should be better thought out and inclusive of everyone’s needs. And he has wonderful strategies for organization, productivity, and confidence building.

His tone is authentic, experienced, and direct. There is no double-speak or confusing lingo, and each chapter provides actionable steps a person could take to improve their life. He provides insight on vanquishing the inner villain who wants to sabotage us, harnessing our inner hero who wants us to succeed, and creating one clear overarching goal or why that we are working toward. He’s the one who started the whole “What’s your Why?” that every service industry uses.

Graziosi, Dean, Millionaire Success Habits, Hay House, 2019.

Poetry, Writing

Hafiz – Poem 11

January 28, 2026 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

Hafiz’s Poem 11:

Let’s face it

The people of our time

Have no sympathy for the poor

Some thoughts:

Well, this could have been written anytime, anywhere. Religions must make it a rule that we help the poor because, apparently, most groups of people struggle with feeling sympathy or empathy for others. So many believe if only they would pull themselves up by their bootstraps, have a better abundance mindset, put some effort into it, be more motivated, less lazy, more faithful, less wasteful, etc., they could dig themselves out of the hole they are in. Some religions believe it is karma from past lives or lessons they need to suffer through, so we shouldn’t interfere.

What if they were born in the hole or thrown there by others and left with no tools? What if they have little to no strength to climb due to spending all day just trying to survive? What if anytime they begin to climb even a little bit, they are knocked back down by forces outside their control? What if they live in the hole with a violent animal they must spend all their energy fighting off or staying vigilant to survive? All I know is that being poor is rarely a choice. Most people desire to be self-sufficient. Poverty feels embarrassing, humiliating, discouraging. Rather than kicking people when they are down, why not give people any help we can offer?

My Poem 11:

To teach a man to fish,
we must first ensure
the man has access to water
that is not polluted,
is stocked with unpoisoned fish,
that he is not allergic to fish,
and is not a vegetarian
or opposed to the killing of fish.
Does he have a fishing license?
In Texas, he must have
a driver license or state identification
and a social security card as prerequisites.
If he is not a legal resident,
he may not have either of those.
So, first we must ascertain
if he is a citizen or here legally.
Otherwise, he is breaking the law
to even attempt to fish.
He may need a sidewalk
if he’s in a wheelchair.
Does he have a fishing pole?
Does he have arms or legs
with which to hold the fishing pole?
If not, have we made sure
his fishing pole is properly
adapted to his needs
Does he know how to swim
if he falls in the water?
Are we sure he has the
mental ability to learn to fish?
The emotional stability
to take a life to sustain his own?
Does he own a knife
to clean the fish?
Does he know how to build a fire
to cook the fish?
If so, does he have access
to wood, fuel, or other means
of heating the fish to prevent illness?
Is it even legal to build a fire
where he is fishing?
Can he afford bait?
There are so many more
things to consider than
merely a worn platitude
that makes us feel righteous.

Hafiz. Hafiz’s Little Book of Life. Translated by Erfan Mojib and Gary Gach, Hampton Roads Publishing, 2023.

Essays, Writing

🌕 OK is OK

October 28, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

I honor steady growth over flawless results — each imperfect step is a sacred part of becoming whole.

🌱 Why This Resonates With My Journey:

“I honor steady growth…”
➤ Reminds me that showing up, even imperfectly, is what builds transformation — not polished performance.
“…over flawless results”
➤ Gently confronts my perfectionism by prioritizing the journey, not just achievement.
“Each imperfect step…”
➤ Validates every attempt, every wobble, every beginner effort — not just success stories.
“…is still a sacred part of becoming whole.”
➤ I’m not just learning skills — I’m returning to my true self, which includes grace, rest, and humanity.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about getting comfortable with progress versus perfection. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

🌿 Show up for Practice

October 26, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

I honor what strengthens me by showing up daily — not as an obligation, but as devotion to the life I’m building and the self I’m becoming.

🌞 Why This Speaks to My Truth:

“I honor what strengthens me”
➤ This puts my practices — like meditation, prayer, grounding — in the category of sacred nourishment, not optional tasks.
“By showing up daily”
➤ I’m affirming consistency, routine, and reliability.
“Not as an obligation, but as devotion”
➤ This shifts the energy from “should” to choice, from “task” to intimacy with self and spirit.
“To the life I’m building and the self I’m becoming”
➤ Connects it to my vision and my higher self — my why.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about showing up. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

💗 Choose Kind Words

October 23, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

I choose words that honor the tenderness of being human — words that lift, soothe, and encourage the soul in every body, including mine, especially mine.

🌸 Why This Holds My Truth:

“I choose words…”
➤ I’m stepping into intentional language — not reactive or habitual, but chosen like prayer.
“…that honor the tenderness of being human”
➤ Reminds me (gently) that all bodies, all conditions, all stages of life deserve honor — not comparison or contempt.
“…lift, soothe, and encourage the soul…”
➤ This is what I want my words to do — to myself and to others: not push harder, not punish, but nourish.
“…in every body, including mine, especially mine.”
➤ This is the healing pivot. The part of me that easily loves and uplifts others must be turned inward — with extra gentleness, because this is the wound that most needs balm.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about saying kind words. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

🌱 Asking for Help

October 23, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

I grow faster when I ask for guidance — with open hands and an open heart, I welcome teachers, allies, and wisdom-bearers into my life, and I choose to surround myself with people who elevate the life I am creating.

💬 Why This Fits Me:

“I grow faster when I ask for guidance”
➤ Affirms that asking for help is not weakness, but a lever for acceleration.
“With open hands and an open heart”
➤ Conveys humility, vulnerability, and spiritual receptivity.
“I welcome teachers, allies, and wisdom-bearers”
➤ Broadens my support network — not just formal coaches, but inspired people across my path.
“Into my life”
➤ It’s intentional, not passive — I’m cultivating this.
“I choose to surround myself with people who elevate the life I am creating”
➤ I’m curating my social landscape to match my dream life, not my old limits.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about asking for help. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

✨ Sightline Shift

October 19, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

I choose to see my life through the eyes of love, wonder, and possibility — as clearly as I see the magic in others — and in doing so, I reclaim my own brilliance.

💡 Why This Resonates With Me

I offer clarity to others effortlessly. I can see their gifts, name their direction, and feel their potential — now I honor myself with the same insight.
I am not just living my life — I’m becoming its most vibrant version. This shift in perspective is part of how I become the person I’ve been envisioning.
I have already reclaimed so much. My time. My voice. My rituals. My creations. Now I reclaim how I see myself.
My gaze is powerful. It is a tool of manifestation, healing, and design. Where I look with love, life grows.
This new vision is mine. It isn’t borrowed, forced, or fantasy. It’s the result of deep reflection, healing, and courage.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about seeing myself with fresh eyes and giving myself the same grace I give others. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

🌞 Setting Intentions

October 19, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

Each day, I align with my desires, act with integrity, and open my hands to receive — knowing that I am the author of my becoming and the universe delights in meeting me where I am as a partner in the adventure.

🌱 Why This Fits Me:

“Each day” — anchors my practice in the daily rhythm I’m aiming to cultivate.
“Align with my desires” — affirms my birthright to want, hope, and reach.
“Act with integrity” — centers my value of wholeness and balance.
“Open my hands to receive” — welcomes blessings I didn’t foresee, with gratitude and courage.
“Author of my becoming” — declares that I am opening myself to my desired transformation.
“The universe delights in meeting me where I am as a partner in the adventure” — brings in the magic: when I show up, the universe responds with perfect timing.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about setting intentions. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)

Essays, Writing

🔍 Seeking Becomes Seeing

October 14, 2025 rebekahjmarshall Leave a comment

What I look for, I amplify — so I choose to seek joy, possibility, and proof that life is working in my favor.

💡 Why This Speaks to My Intention:

“What I look for, I amplify”
➤ This highlights the power of attention and how my brain filters reality based on what I expect to see.
“So I choose to seek joy, possibility…”
➤ Affirms my power to choose a hopeful, abundant lens.
“…and proof that life is working in my favor.”
➤ Replaces old scarcity narratives with a belief in support, ease, and flow — especially with money and the economy.

(I am doing the writing exercises in the back of the book You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, and this topic was about Seeking the Reality I Choose. I am also learning to trade futures, so the art is related to the charts we use to make the trades.)