This is Day 1 of the 21-Day Journaling Challenge held in Nov 2011. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the challenge tasks.
Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 1 of the 21-Day Journaling Challenge aka 21DJC!First off, I’m blown away by your enthusiasm for the challenge. Many of you jumped on board upon the opening for sign ups three days ago. Some of you have experience journaling in the past, while the rest of you do not journal but are keen to give it a shot. We now have an amazing 428 official, registered participants and it’s increasing as we speak!For the 428 of you who have registered, I want you to give yourself a pat on your back. Because you have put your name up for the challenge, you have sent out the intention to the universe that you want to grow. And trust me — it’s going to happen in this 21-day journaling challenge. As long as you commit yourself to journaling the assigned questions every day, you WILL grow — in your consciousness, in self-awareness, and in your connection with your inner self.
Seriously — what would you do? Would you save them in a bank? Would you use them to buy stocks? Would you share them with other people? Would you invest the money in your business? Would you give them away to charity? Would you quit what you’re doing and start a whole new life?What would you do with your million dollars?(Today’s question can be found in #45 of 101 Important Questions To Ask Yourself In Life.)

Read: 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC
I’ve written a list of 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC in the announcement post. Please make sure you read them and follow them to a tee to get the best out of the challenge.Please Use Proper English
Because this is a journaling challenge and there will likely be long passages of text, I require the cooperation of everyone to follow Tip #6 in particular — which is on using proper capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar in your answers.I noticed some registrants using chat speak when signing up (e.g. “i did all d thing wid ney email id”) and some registrants using full caps (e.g. “I LOVE THIS IDEA AND I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE”). While it’s only a small handful of registrants, it’s enough to ruin the experience of the challenge for everyone.We’re doing this as a community, so let’s be considerate to everyone who will be reading our answers. Use capital letters if it’s the first letter of the sentence and small letters for the rest. Use proper English words that you’d find in a dictionary, not chat speak. Punctuate accordingly: use commas and semicolons where necessary and avoid run-on sentences. Do a quick scan to make sure your spelling is right before you post your answers. Let’s make this a positive experience for everyone taking part!(For participants who do not comply with #6, I’m afraid I’d have to remove your posts for the benefit of the community. I seek your understanding on this. Thank you!)With that said, let’s now move to our first question, shall we? ;)21DJC Day 1
Today’s question is a simple, age-old, yet powerful question:What Would You Do If You Have 1 Million Dollars?

Your Task Today:
- Reflect and answer today’s question. Like I mentioned in Tip #4 of 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC, there’s no word limit – whether minimum or maximum. Write as few or as many words as you want. It’s all up to what you want to express!
- Share your answer. After you are done writing, copy and paste your answer in the comments area and post it there.
- Check out other participants’ answers. Other participants will be sharing their answers too, so feel free to read and reply to their answers. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days.
(Images: Empty book for journaling, Money notes)
When (not “if” : -) ) I have a million dollars, I would do the following:
1) Save and invest half of it into real estate, bonds, shares etc for my family’s future/ our retirement.
2) Start a foundation (in my grandpa’s memory) which gives away scholarships to needy students. My grandpa was a huge advocate of education. He played a huge role in my life, and I think the best way to remember someone who impacted you the most is to use their memory to create something significant and meaningful to society.
3) Buy my parents a home they desire, and take them on an extended vacation trip.
4) Start a business with my husband to create a legacy which we could leave behind for our kids.
When (not “if” :-)) I have a million dollars, I would
a) Save half of it for my family’s future.
b) Start a scholarship foundation under my grandfather’s name (My grandad was a huge advocate of education and reading) that will benefit needy students with tuition fees, books and school supplies for their education.
c) Buy my parents a home they desire.
d) Spend more time with my family by taking longer vacations around the world.
i would go to all the beauty salons and beauty treatments to lose weight and look gorgeous, i would buy new clothes, buy myself a home, travel. save the money so i can be independent.
Sooo… I’m catching up from the beginning. Better late than never, right?
First, I would pay off debts/loans for my parents, sis, and myself (figure $100K max). I’d keep at least $500K in relatively stable investments, and $50-100K for fun money (mostly travel & interesting experiences for many years to come; I don’t need flashy stuff). I’d probably take off from work and travel, exploring the world to explore what I REALLY want to do with my life (how I want to use my skills and gifts to serve). I’m sure I’d give plenty away along the way (maybe $50-100K?). Then I’d leave another $100K for living expenses/cushion beyond my income. If possible, I’d find a cute pied-à-terre in NYC and put enough down that I wouldn’t have to worry about monthly payments. (It’s my favorite city in the world, so I’d LOVE to always have a place there.)
I wouldn’t believe at first!!!!!!!!
I’d put it to my bank account to calm down for a while
Then, I’d put about 500 000 to deposit account and others just leave at the account so as to take them any time I need to.
of course, I’d go to the USA to study psychology or acting(maybe first I’d take acting courses)
to be honest, I dont know what I would do! I just don’t know :D
I would:
Pay off my house, to give my famly freedom from mortage
Buy an invesment property to provide ongoing income
Go on a $40000 world trip fo 3 months with my familyand husbands mother and father to create a long atin memory
Donate some to a charity $20000 to help oherse ahead
Select a number of family or friends and pay off something for them (5X $20000) to help people I love
Pick 3 people from a uni and pay thier course fees for one year to help someone learn
Pick 3 people from tafe and pay thier course fees for one year to helpsomeone nt have stress
Invest whatever is left over for a rainy day
All that i do first is initially nothing as i will be excited and may be i would end up spending few thousand dollars for my own family and myself.
Later i would start investing in property(House, farm house), Mutual agreement and other investments in which i can get returns.Buy car, gift all my loved one’s with their wishes. Also will plan a long holiday may be not more than 15-20 days with my family.
I am currently employed and would wish to start my own set up after briefly thinking on the Business Idea with few more interested investors.
If I had a Million Dollars:
I would do the following, not necessarily in the order listed!
– I would ease the financial burdens of those closest to me.
– Help my son get set up in a place of his own, rather than renting.
– Put aside money for investing in our retirement
– Selfishly purchase a new vehicle for myself (frivolous & unnecessary but I’ve never had one!)
– Take a vacation where I invite all family & close friends
– Outfit our boat for long term cruising, so we are ready to go when the winds change!
– Support my local community groups financially wherever the needs required
I would first pay off my debts after that I will share some with my family and friends.
Give some money to charities, orphanages and kids with disabilities
The rest I will try to do the 101 things you have to do before you die.
I devide this million to equal 5 potions and allocate as follows
1. One is to my parents for their well living
2. One is for the beggers and others to share.
3. One is to my consumtion.
4. One is to my future investments.
5. Last one is to development of my religion (Buddisum)
I would consider those less fortunate than myself by placing half into an account that would attract the most amount of interest and I would use that interest to the benefit of others. It would include giving to charities as well as to those who are living on the street. Invested at 6% for three months that would allow an amount of $7500 per 3 mths to assist others with.
The other half would be invested so as to enable me to have 625.00 per week ie after 3months to assist my family with. Any money over from this would be added to the above amount to invest so as to be able to give more to those in need.
I would give twenty percent to the homeless Veterans in the U.S. I’m not here to say right or wrong,
but I am a patriot of my country and countrymen/women. After the government takes almost 1/2 in
taxes and after giving 20 percent away I would save the rest to send my children to college. With
even the amount left I still may ending up owing more money for them to complete college.
If i had a million dollars, i would first approach the people i care about most, my freind. I would ask each of them about their top desire they want to splurge on, but havent because they dont want to spoil themselves. I am assuming that this will all be covered with 100k. With the remaining 900k, i will invest in sustainable growth mechanisms for the world. I would like to see a large portion, (50%) invested in micro financing loans. My idea of micro loans is however a little different from the current structure. It is said that a large percentage of small buisneses fail because they do not know how to properly manage their cash flows and because previous lessons have not been imparted to them. So for this micro-finance company, we will have certain rules and restrictions. The borrowers will need to work with experienced financial advisors,accountants and current entrepreneours who would be able to guide them. Also the loan would be for an industry or idea which is positive. There would be no loans directed towards enterprises which impact the society in a negative manner.
While the money is being loaned out ($500k), it will be in moderately conservative money market loans in the stock market. This way, the money will have the oppertunity to grow, and with a decent return rate from the loans it will become self sustainable.
I will use $300,000 for education and human resource development. Start an organization which will establish schools in developing nations, with a focus on not only earthly knowledge and wisdom but also that of the spirit and soul. It will not force anyone to believe anything, but give them options and diversity of ideas. Allow people to make their own choices.
I will spend the final $100,000 on myself. I would go back to college and get a degree in a subject i am truly interested in (but doesnt pay too much). I would then use the remaining to travel the world, and see and learn more stuff.
If I had 1 Million Dollars, I would not know what to do with it all.
:D
Everybody wants MORE money. I want MORE money. But if I had 1 million dollars, I’d be wondering what I’ll do with so much money!
I realize that sometimes we want all the things people tell us make life worthwhile without extracting the real value out of it. And to me, that’s awfully sad. I don’t know if I’m the only one who is like this but sometimes I question why I want the things in my life anyway.
So unlike how other people would answer this question, I fail to say how I’d spend 1 Million pieces of paper with deceased notables on it.
I do not wish to spend the 1 Milliion. Because I can’t handle the 1 Million and I am not worth 1 Million.
SO simply put, I would wake up and stop dreaming.
If I had a million dollars, I would pay off my debt and then live off the interest. It probably wouldn’t be enough for us to quit our jobs but it would definitely help us to live more comfortably. I’ve often thought about this, and really can’t come up with something that I would like to do. I know I’d definitely buy us cars because I’m tired of HAVING to use premium gas all the time. I want a choice in the type of gas I use. Now things are coming to me… Ok, we’d also do more renovations to our home that we’ve been wanting to do. Another road trip out west would be fun.
There is a saying “money brings money back”, at least here in Mexico we say that a lot. It means that if you invest you can earn some but if you dont have any, you wont have as many chances to earn it.
So definitively I would invest it.
How…?
I have that very clear too, because my passion in the last 20 years, has been helping women in their needs, since the way they concive them selves, their familys, their jobs, etc.
Sadly our mexican society is mainly “machista” that means where the man says, governs, imposes with or without reason… over womens will, needs or preferences.
I create a non profit organization years ago, so I could have at least the chance to participate in some forums, the best one was Beiging, but to be honest not having money forced me to put my passion apart, and I am right now forcing my self to work in something I dont really injoy, but allways dreaming to go back to those women in need.
A million bucks, of course would put me back in the track but in a tremendous way..! I would buy a place for women where they could find answers and resources for their personal grown. From conferences, terapies, courses, gruopal activities, camping weekends, fun outings, etc.
I would buy a cabana in a mountain near Mexico City to have this like a retreat place, some space in he midle of the daily routine to scape and make some reflexions, some exercises, and eating nice and healthy food that is not cooked by them. Probably even have a nice massage.
Women in Mexico dont spoil them selves, ussualy they dont give them any nourishment to their mind, souls and body, allways working hard out and inside their houses. I would really love to take care of them…..!
Finaly in any home were there is a healthy and happy woman the rest of the family works perfect.
And of course I´ll take my 3 adult daughters on annual trips to different destinations each time, all around the world, why not..? I love and enjoy their comany so much!
And I love dreaming…ja,ja
If I had 1 Million Dollars… I would first an foremost give some to my Dad, so he could retire. I would tithe to my Church and give some to my favorite charity. Finally, I would buy a nice cottage for my family and put the rest in savings.
I want to use the money invest on me, how could that make me healthy, happy, smart and creative ,
1. I will invest on my education, I’m so eager to learn some thing new and inspiring. For now, I would like to go to Munich to continue my Intellectual property study which will cost me Eur 40 000. If I go to US or UK, it will cost double, around Eur 150 000.
2. Travel all over the world. I will save 20000 for travelling for the next 5 years. Firstly Europe, then North and South America. Contact with people to find the similarity and diversity of human being. The main cost will be in Transport, every year 20 000. Some other money will be spend on learning adventure sports, like sailing , surfing and snow-skating,
3. Give 10000 to my parents to secure their life after retirement although they have their pension , they can use it for travelling the world.
4. Lend money to my family member and friends who have financial problem.
5. Use the rest money to fund a anti-discrimination project. Do some good deeds to people really need help.
I really am enjoying journaling it takes my mind off of the recent things that have happened. A distraction, connection back to myself, a inner peace, a confrimation of what I want in life. It helps me to refocus on something postive.
I would pay a house, and car off for myself that would probably take about 100,000. I would put 200,000 in a savings for my son. I would pick a college of my choice give 50,000 for a scholarship program for students who need finacial backing. I would give 100,000 to a ministry that I like. I would take care of my family, and start a business. Then I would put the rest in savings for retirement.
$1m. This is enough to do two things. Get a farm and set up a Family Trust to support school going children in the form of Bursaries and scholarship. The idea is a farm is an enterprise that can generate more cash. Bursaries will be on a Pay It Forward System. Once you complete your studies, you agree to sponsor another one student selected by the trust.
If I had 1 million dollars I would:
Give money to family and those important to me for their particular needs
Give back to local charities to help those who are less fortunate
Pay off all debt and secure myself financially
Start my own business.
Spend time finding out what I really want to do with the rest of my life.
I would not quit my job right off because I’m not prepared…money isn’t everything and you have to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually so that you do go broke.
I’m amazed at how many dumb people read and comment on this blog. It gives me hope, thank you.
1 million dollars. Firstly I would setup my business and get it running smoothly. Than I would purchase a motor home for my parents and give them enough money to take their dream holiday. Than with the remaining money I would invest it. With the interest off that plus the income I would now be receiving off my business, I would purchase my first house. Renovate, sell and begin again
First, I would give to my church. Then I would buy myself a nice house and car, pay off my debts, pay off my parents mortgage, make sure all my nieces and nephew have college funds…and I would definitely put the rest in savings. I probably wouldn’t quit my job because I really like it – but I probably would take a leave of absence to enjoy myself a little.
My pragmatic self thinks that having a million dollars would be to maximize its potential by putting most of it (more than 50%) into economic investments to create a sustained flow of income.
The hedonistic side in me who would like to spend money for things I’m not willing to pay right now would like to buy a nice camera, a Canon 5dMkII. Hmmm.
There are a few other things I would like to spend it on like: flying lessons, fencing, go play at the World Series of Poker, attend Comic-con, travel around the world. If I could, I’d just spend my time travelling around the world to learn about different cultures; eat exotic food; adventure and try local activities, and just write, photograph and blog about it. (Though I’m not sure a million is enough to sustain that.)
First, I would PAY OFF MY DEBT! What a relief! Then – I would seek advice from a financial advisor – I wouldn’t want to squander it! I would want to set-up college funds for my great-nephews/nieces. I THINK I would probably go to Europe soon thereafter – I’ve been fantasizing about Budapest and Istanbul since a friend finished a 10-day cruise through the area. I would hire a personal trainer, and get into fabulous shape, as my next big trip needs to be the Maldives, and I’d want to look gooooooood in my bikini. Finally – my future. I would secure the future of my dreams. I think I would consider returning to school, a career as a writer, or voice talent, and I would use the security of money to leave my day job and pursue a new dream. If there is enough to invest, I would build a nest egg, so that someday I can make some home improvements, and maybe adopt a child. But there’s time for all of that! Hmm – so, in review, I would establish SECURITY first, for myself and my family, indulge my TRAVEL BUG second, then FOCUS ON MYSELF – through fitness and education. And finally, my FUTURE. I’m not sure how I feel about that – I actually do buy the occasional lottery ticket… think I might need to give this more thought. Shouldn’t MY FUTURE come before TRAVEL INDULGENCES? I am a fickle creature! (Hence the debt!) Interesting… thanks, 21DJC Day 1!
I would give £100,000 to each of my children and £20, 000 to a charity such as Amnesty International or the RSPB. I would buy big presents for my relatives and friends. I’d buy a flat/home in London for each of my children – I think I might need more than a million pounds.
I would either move home or I would really do up our home. For example, under-floor heating and/or a rayburn in the kitchen, an ensuite bathroom in our bedroom and my husband’s work room insulated. I would employ a gardener to get our garden back into shape and to do the heavy work. I would really spruce up the house so that it seems loved and cherished.
I would buy some beautiful art works. I might even attend some art courses and try being creative myself.
Having this money would mean that my husband could work part time or even retire. Then he could do more of the things he really loves, such as art, yoga and bird watching.
I would do an M.A. in Creative Writing or Western Esotericism. I would do more Tarot courses. I might even do a cookery course. I would study astrology.
I would buy a camper van for my husband and me and we would explore the UK for a year.
I’d have a huge clothes shopping expedition and hire Gok Wan to tell me what suits me.
I could afford to do more yoga/self help courses.
I could stop worrying about how to pay the bills. Bliss.
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