I think what you say makes a lot of sense-- you find happiness in yourself and what you do and can contribute, not how much monetary gain you make from it. I'm a lot like you. I am poor, but blessed to have a roof over my head and food on the table and shoes on my feet. I am grateful and find happiness in the little I do have. I too have seen harder "hardships" than I have now. Maybe that helps us see things from a specific perspective. Enjoy life with what you have. It's all you got!