Money, Money, Money

I’ve heard it said that the people who can say “money is not everything” have more than enough of it. I don’t know if that’s true but I do know money is not everything. 

I was brought up in a middle class household. My parents were hardworking professionals who strived to give us a comfortable life and secure our future; and despite the odds, they succeeded. We were not raised on luxuries, not because they couldn’t afford it but because they didn’t want us to grow up with a mindset that places a premium on material things. We got what we needed and on special occasions, especially when we achieved something worth celebrating, we got what we wanted. But we were taught that though money may get you some status in the world and a perception of success and security, there are other more important things such as health, relationships, faith, peace of mind, joy, and to love and be loved.

Money is a tool and our short lives should not be wasted in pursuit of it. This is not to diminish ambition or the desire to achieve but simply to highlight that to chase after money is like running after a moving target. You can never have enough of it. And when you can’t have enough of something, you end up feeling deprived, unfulfilled, and unhappy. 

Money does buy you pockets of happiness; temporary highs that satisfy your need for completion. You can travel in style, buy the latest fashion and fast cars, dine at the finest restaurants, and rub elbows with society’s financial elite. But if all you have are moments of satisfaction, you are left with an entire life of searching for the next high. If you are not already happy with what you have, where you are, and what you’re doing, chances are you won’t be regardless.

Money is something. It can give you some comfort, some assurance; but it’s not everything.

My precious. Gold and silver I have none.