“Real wealth is never measured in money or possessions,

but in the quality of life we lead and the lives we touch.”

– Maya Angelou

As winter settles in, I’ve been contemplating the art of enough – that delicate balance between abundance and contentment. The Danish concept of hygge offers us wisdom here, teaching us that true wealth often lives in life’s simplest moments: the warm glow of candlelight, meaningful conversation with loved ones, the comfort of belonging. Similarly, Lynne Twist’s insights on the soul of money offer us profound lenses through which to view abundance, purpose, and well-being. In this intersection of cozy contentment and purposeful wealth, we might find our own definition of “enough.”

 

What I’m Reading: Money & Meaning

Lynne Twist’s “The Soul of Money” speaks to the heart of how we relate to wealth and sufficiency. Her central insight – that scarcity is a mindset we can transform into one of abundance through gratitude and purposeful allocation – resonates deeply with my work in philanthropic advising. Twist suggests that our relationship with money is a gateway to our deeper beliefs about what truly matters in life. When families approach wealth from this perspective of sufficiency rather than scarcity, they can transform their relationship with money from a source of anxiety into a channel for expressing their highest values and creating positive change.

“Money is like water. It can be a conduit for commitment, a currency of love. Money flows through all our lives, sometimes like a rushing river, and sometimes like a trickle. When it flows, it can purify, cleanse, create growth, and nourish. But when it pools and collects, it can grow stagnant and toxic to those withholding and those withheld from.”

– Lynne Twist

What I’m Listening To: Transcending Definition

The Inheritance Series podcast featuring Jay Hughes beautifully complements Twist’s perspective by exploring “wealth as well-being.” The most profound and touching moment of this conversation was a brief meditation where Hughes asked the live audience to close their eyes and imagine being in their happy place surrounded by the people that they love. That, he declared, is wealth. This aligns perfectly with Twist’s vision of sufficiency – recognizing that true wealth flows from our appreciation of what we have rather than our focus on what we lack.

 

What I’m Learning: Intentional Contentment

The documentary “Finding Hygge” reveals how this Danish concept of intentional contentment might inform our approach to wealth and giving. What fascinates me is how hygge’s emphasis on authentic connection and conscious presence parallels Twist’s call for a more mindful relationship with money. In my work with families, I’m seeing how creating warm, safe spaces for dialogue about wealth – much like the cozy atmosphere of hygge – allows for deeper conversations about values, legacy, and impact.

“Hygge was never meant to be translated. It was meant to be felt.”

– ToveMaren Stakkestad

What I Believe: Wealth as Flow and Purpose

In my years of working with families, I’ve witnessed how transformative it can be when we shift from viewing wealth as something to protect to seeing it as a flow of possibilities. Like the warmth of hygge that creates space for authentic connection, this perspective opens up deeper conversations about what truly matters. Families begin to explore not just “how much is enough?” but “what creates meaning in our lives?”

When we understand wealth as Twist suggests – as a current rather than a pool – something remarkable happens. Family discussions naturally evolve from focusing on preservation to exploring purpose. This reminds me of Warren Buffett’s wisdom about giving his children “enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing.” At its heart, this philosophy isn’t about specific dollar amounts – it’s about understanding how wealth can flow in service of our values and purpose. I’ve seen how this mindset shift, combined with the intentional creation of warm, safe spaces for dialogue, allows families to discover their most meaningful legacy. Their wealth becomes a channel for expressing values and nurturing positive change – flowing like Twist’s metaphorical river, nourishing both the givers and their chosen causes.

As we move through 2025, I’m energized by how these complementary wisdoms – Twist’s philosophy of sufficiency, hygge’s emphasis on authentic contentment, and the power of intentional giving – continue to enhance our work in family philanthropy. When we approach wealth with both mindfulness and purpose, we create space for truly meaningful impact.