So you're in your favorite Chinese restaurant, and you just got your check. As usual, that little fortune cookie is sitting there waiting to be cracked open! Now I've had my share of strange fortunes, and even quite realistic ones, like when I had Chinese the night before my family's ski trip and received a fortune that read, "Adventure awaits you in the mountains." And I know these little sentences don't really hold much importance in our lives, and are often thrown out in the trash bin before even leaving the restaurant, however, last weekend I cracked open a pretty smart cookie. The small slip of paper read, "You lead a useful life no matter what riches are coming to you."

Reading that, right off the bat, I was kind of taken aback! Pretty deep for a fortune cookie. Now, I'm quite the hoarder, so anything with a tinge of importance is probably something I will hold on to. So I kept the fortune and shoved it in my pocket to later stick on the "Words of Wisdom" wall in my apartment. But these words are more than just a mere decoration to pass by on my way out. I really started to dwell on that simple sentence.

How often do we have that mindset? Do we always believe our lives are useful when we are young and not fully into our careers? I fall into the trap of thinking, "Oh yeah, when I have a job and am out of school and have my own place that's when I will be useful. That's when I'll be a success!" But why would we limit ourselves like that?

"...No matter what riches are coming to you." Right now. Where you are. With whatever you have, you are useful. Do not put your hope in earthly riches. They will not sustain you. Leading a useful life is more than money can buy. Being giving to your friends, family and community does not always require the "riches" we think it does. Volunteering your time up for someone or something is just as useful as donating a few dollars or paying for a small gift.

Do not demote yourself as unimportant because you haven't gotten where you wish to be yet. Remove the "W," because right now you, are "here," and who you are here is incredibly useful!