“People have no idea how good they have it,” my cab driver said. I had asked him one question and somehow that turned into a sermon. I make it a point when I travel to engage my cab driver, shuttle bus driver or whoever I first encounter when I arrive at my destination. Inevitably, I get a quote, a useful tidbit, or insight into what is happening in the local area. Rarely do I get a speech, but I feel like I did today.

My driver’s name was Thierno Hamet Babb Ba and he was from the Islamic Republic of  Mauritania, a small country in West Africa.  He shared stories with me of hatred, prejudice and even slavery. What Thierno and his family and friends have experienced sure makes any troubles most of us complain about seem insignificant. If you have ever complained about not having enough money, driving a clunker, or not being able to afford having a bigger house, imagine living on $1.25 as 20% of Mauritania’s population does. To put that in perspective:

- A visit to  Starbucks would cost you about four day’s wages

- Admission to a movie would cost you eight day’s wages

- A $50 dinner out would cost you forty day’s wages

- A new I-pad would cost you 400 day’s wages

Most Americans and others living in democratic countries are so RICH by the world’s standards. Yet many of us complain about not having enough.  Thierno’s passion for his freedom was emphatic. It’s a privilege that is often overlooked. Freedom allows us both the opportunity to become rich monetarily, as well as in the way we live our lives.  Freedom allowed him to share openly with me about the RICH life he lives in the U.S. and to give me some advice to pass on to others.  I asked him what advice he would give others coming to the U.S. from other countries.

1. Anyone can make it.

2. Whatever you want to be, you can be or do.

3. Take every opportunity you get and make the most of it.

4. Work hard.

5. Don’t blame other people.

There are probably thousands of stories similar that cab drivers, lawn maintenance workers, hotel staff and others could share.  I would encourage you to engage someone in conversation at your next opportunity. You might just get an inspirational speech on living a RICH life.