Be Grateful. Be Rich.

There are big white billboards all over North Dakota with simple statements in large block lettering instructing passersby to, “Be Kind.” “Be Grateful.”

Or simply:

“Smile.”

Someone told me an anonymous millionaire pays for the signs. Definitely an impressive and inspiring way to spend some extra change.

I like how these signs sneak up out of nowhere as they rotate throughout the entire state. I never know when or where I’ll see one. One minute I’m cruising down the interstate noting that the Come On Inn has a new water slide or that there’s a Perkins at the next exit serving fresh French silk pie and the next I’m being reminded to basically count my blessings.

So I do. For as hilly and curvy as the road of life has been for me, I still find myself often stopping and just thinking to myself:

I love my life.

I really do.

I’ve made some tremendously difficult changes in the past few years but they were vital, for myself and more importantly for my children. Subsequently, life is unfolding in ways I once had only imagined possible.

And it is such a blessing.

But I do wonder sometimes about this mystery person when I see these declarations in the ditch. I wonder just how much money we’re talking. And if this person is taking heir applications?

Just kidding.

What I really wonder is what happened to make this individual want to share these simple viewpoints with the people on the prairie? Because obviously he or she knows that happiness has nothing to do with a bank balance.

Richness lies in our attitudes.

So when the road of life gets a little bumpy?

Smile.

When other people’s bad attitudes make you crash?

Be Kind.

And when the road detours unexpectedly?

Be Grateful.

Plant those signs along your own life journey and you’ll be wealthy.

In the ways that matter most.