The past week was truly unfathomable.

I still can’t believe the horrific scenes that unfolded in my beloved city of Los Angeles.

As you know, this city is one of the greatest loves of my life. The people in it are one of a kind and when one of us hurts, we all do.

We had been watching the fire spread, growing in its ferocity, but I thought for sure we would be ok.

Then came a knock on the door… “LAPD, you have to go now, the fire is coming over the hill”!

I couldn’t believe it.

We had been preparing for this, just in case, but when it all goes down… things change.

I could share more details of that night and the terrifying days that followed but as I thought about it, what I wanted to share with you is this…

As we packed our bags, ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, I was struck by all the things I DIDN’T pack.

No designer clothes or handbags.

No designer shoes.

No jewelry.

I focused on memories and essentials, not material things.

I made sure my kitties were good to go and that we packed plenty of food and things to make them feel comfortable.

I took important papers, a box of memorabilia from when Rain was little, and a handful of childhood photos that I can’t replace.

Other than that, it was a few changes of clothes and personal care items.

As I closed my suitcase, I started to think about the things that are truly important and what it really means to be “rich”.

That’s what I want to share today.

If it interests you, keep reading.

Cynthia

PS One of the other things I’m grateful for during this time is the power of community. We need each other, whether we want to admit it or not.

That’s why I want to invite you to join SELF Made Membership – at NO COST forever. This is your opportunity to become part of a community that’s got your back through the ups and downs, ins and outs.

Because we’re better together. Details are here.

PPS If you need resources during this time, check out @transformationalnutrition and @themodernlifecoachschool on Instagram. We’ve been publishing lots there.

PPPS Exciting news! I’m featured on this week’s Mindshare episode. I share exactly how you can create your own 7-figure certification program. Tune in now right here!

What Does It Really Mean To Be Rich: Freedom, Security, and Peace of Mind

Let me get straight to it. Money matters.

Not because it buys happiness or because it validates your worth, but because it gives you something most people don’t even realize they need until shit hits the fan—options.

When the fires came too close for comfort this week, I wasn’t thinking about designer handbags or luxury cars or losing my “things”.

What I was grateful for was the ability to make decisions without the weight of financial stress hanging over me.

I didn’t have to ask, “How will we afford this?” or panic over where we’d go.

I knew that I could book a hotel, care for my pets, and pack up my family without a second thought.

That kind of peace of mind?

It’s priceless.

I haven’t always had this and I remember all too clearly what it’s like to not feel this way. To struggle and to have to depend on the kindness of total strangers for the bare necessities.

Which is exactly why I believe in building wealth—not for the flashy stuff, but for the security, freedom, and options it brings when life throws you a curveball.

No, Money Isn’t Everything, ANDDD… It’s Something.

Here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: money is important.

Not because it buys happiness or makes you a better person, but because it gives you options.

When you have wealth, you have choices.

You can decide how to respond when life falls apart around you.

You can focus on what truly matters instead of being consumed by the stress of “How the actual fuck am I going to pay for this?”

This week, I knew I could:

• Book a hotel for my family without worrying about whether insurance would reimburse me or not.
• Book a flight or travel for long distances if we had to.
• Take care of my pets and make sure they were comfortable.
• Buy replacement items if it came down to it.

That’s what being “rich” really means to me.

It’s about having stress-free options when you need them the most.

The Power of Passive Income

Here’s the other side of this: I wasn’t just thinking about my family.

I was also thinking about my business, my team, and the people who rely on me.

But because I’ve built a business that generates income even when I’m not actively working—through online courses, automated systems, and scalable offers—I didn’t have to panic about money.

That’s the beauty of creating passive income streams.

It’s not just about working less (though that’s nice and I do love it); it’s about knowing you’re still supporting your family and your dreams, no matter what.

This is why I’ve spent years creating a business that doesn’t rely on me hustling 24/7.

Because when shit hits the fan, you don’t want to be scrambling.

Why Do You Want Wealth?

This experience reminded me of something powerful: It’s easy to get caught up in the surface-level definitions of success

As I said… the clothes, the cars, the shoes—they’re fun, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not the REAL point. At least for me.

For me, what really matters is the peace of mind and options that come with being financially secure.

So, I wonder… Why do YOU really want wealth?

Is it so you can show off your latest Louis Vuitton or Dolce and Gabbana?

Or is it so you can:

• Take care of your family without stress?
• Have the freedom to make decisions that align with your values?
• Build a legacy that supports you and those you love, no matter what life throws at you?

Redefine “Rich” for Yourself

Here’s your challenge: Take a moment on this SELF Made Sunday (because that’s the point) to redefine what “rich” means for you.

Not what society tells you.

Not what Instagram shows you.

What YOU truly value.

Ask yourself:

1. What would wealth allow me to do when life gets hard?
2. How would having resources change the way I show up for my family, my business, and mySELF?
3. What’s one step I can take this week to move closer to creating that kind of wealth?

You deserve to feel rich in every sense of the word—financially, emotionally, and mentally.

And when you align your actions with that deeper definition of wealth, you’ll build a life that feels as rich as it looks.

So, what does it mean to you to be rich? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your definition of true wealth!

SELF Made Membership

Ready to Step into YOUR Definition of Rich?

Imagine having peace of mind when things go sideways. And not having to worry about money so you could focus on the things that really matter.

If you’re an overworked entrepreneur who is…

• tired of the hustle
• feeling overwhelmed
• and second-guessing every move…

it’s time for a change.

This NOW FREE community is your ultimate resource to:

• Connect with ambitious entrepreneurs who support and motivate each other.
• Access clear and simple trainings, strategies, and frameworks that set you up for effortless income.
• Unlock the mindset of a SELF Made business owner who runs a wildly successful business without sacrificing what’s most important.

This isn’t just another group; it’s a movement of people stepping into their future selves and designing lives so good they’re only jealous of themselves.

If you’re ready to quit spinning your wheels and start getting real results, this is your sign.

Join the SELF Made Membership today—completely free.

Click here to check out all the goodies that are included (they might surprise you) and join now and step into your iconic future self!

If you have dreams of helping people, living a crazy amazing life, and having THE most fun while doing it…

Join me in the SELF Made Membership today!