Redefining Wealth: Why Time is the Ultimate Currency

by Kristina Karlsson

Hi lovely friends,

As we step into a fresh new week, I want to share something deeply close to my heart—a quote that has stuck with me and might just shift how you see your life, your time, and your dreams.

"Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time."
— Margaret Bonanno

Isn’t that just so powerful?

In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with messages about success, money, and productivity. We wear our busyness like a badge of honour.

But what if we paused for a moment to rethink all of that? What if true wealth wasn’t found in our bank accounts—but in how we spend our time?

That’s what this recent Monday Motivation podcast was all about. I’m so excited to explore this with you!

Wealth Reimagined

When I moved to Australia, I didn’t have much. No money, no big plans. But what I did have was time—and that space allowed me to dream. In the stillness of a 3AM moment, I wrote my first dream list.

That simple act shaped the journey of my life.

It reminded me that wealth isn’t just financial. True wealth is about freedom—freedom of choice, freedom of time, and the ability to spend our days doing what matters most, with the people we love.

5 Powerful Insights to Create True Wealth

1. Redefine What "Rich" Means to You

Start by asking yourself: What would a truly wealthy life look like for me? If you had unlimited time and money, what would you add to your life—and what would you gently let go of?

This kind of clarity doesn’t just come to us—we have to pause, reflect, and journal our way there. And when you do, magic happens.

2. Audit How You Spend Your Time

Imagine if you tracked your time like your finances. Where is your time being spent? Is it draining you, or nourishing you?

You might be surprised. Sometimes the richest moments are the quietest ones—a walk at sunrise, reading a few pages before bed, or sitting with a coffee in complete silence (that’s one of my favourites!).

3. Schedule What Matters First

If something is important to you, book it. Literally.

Whether it's your creative practice, your health, or time with your children—put it in the calendar and protect it fiercely. Because these are your real investments in your dream life.

4. You Don’t Need to Earn Your Rest

Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a right.

Let go of the guilt around slowing down. Often, the most meaningful progress happens when we pause. And as someone who’s lived this, I can tell you: slowing down helps me get more done, not less.

5. Make Space for Presence

This week, I challenge you to reclaim one hour just for yourself. Make it sacred. Turn off your phone, and do something that fills your soul—something simple, quiet, beautiful.

When we slow down, space opens. And in that space, we reconnect with what truly matters.

This Week’s Journaling Prompt

Take a quiet moment with your journal and reflect on this:

“What would my life look like if I defined wealth by how I spend my time, not by how much I earn?”

Let your pen flow. Be honest. Be curious.

Join the Conversation

If you try this week’s challenge, I’d love for you to share your experience in our Your Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group.

I always say: small steps become big wins—and your story could inspire someone else to begin.

And if you’re craving more support, our July theme is Freedom—time freedom, financial freedom, and the freedom to choose your own path. It’s going to be beautiful. We start the first Monday of July.

Come join us at yourdreamlifestartshere.com

Here’s to living—not just earning.

Big love,