Money Vs Happiness
So, we are living in a world where money makes the world go around and pretty much the illusion is that money entitles you to have power, but what people are forgetting, is that money is not necessarily the bearer of happiness. Some people are happy because they can balance, money and their happiness. There are many people living & working to make money to better their lives and even though they feel fufilled, they are still unhappy. A certain percentage of people work so hard that they have no one in their lives to share anything with, or even if they do, there are other matters causing their misery. There are men and women who live on the bare minimum and are very happy, to the point you would never realise the hardship they face. This is because they have learned to work with what they have. Last of all you have the remainder of people who are living their lives comfortably, who may not be rich, but live a good life and feel rich in blessings. Therefore no amount of money could account for that happiness.
I have heard many say, that having loads of money would make life better. Yes, if you are wealthy you do not have to worry about cost, because you can afford whatever you want. Although in my eyes, having money is just an excuse to show off and look good. But if you can do it, it's all good. You are lucky. I have found that with some people the more money they have, the more they want and the greedier they become.
When you are satisfied and thankful for what you have, obtaining more money to either purchase something you desire for yourself or your family will actually be a bonus. In saying this, when you have expensive things people are only envious, or jealous and try to destroy what you have. You buy a nice car, people scratch it. You own a nice home; people try to break into it. The amount of times you have to repair your car, or spend putting security in place to secure your home, you were probably better off living in your ordinary home, with your x- reg car when everyone left you alone. So for those who have money, living the high life, I bet some of their bad experiences have been because of money.
I for a matter of fact, work hard to provide a good life for my family and as much as I may not work full time or have a high paid job, I still get to do all the things that others do who are rich. This is because I have positive mind-set and I manage my money wisely. The key to managing money is knowing when and how to save for the future.
“A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned” ― Benjamin Franklin
It is about knowing what you want from life and knowing how you are going to get it. It’s not about taking what is not yours, or stealing what you want. It’s about owning what is destined to you.
Whenever I want something nice, or I plan to go somewhere exceptional for holiday, I have been asked so many times, ‘Are you rich or something?’ And my answer will always be, ‘No, but I am happy’. It may take me longer to have certain things others may have, but at least I know it’s possible.
Money always seems to come into my reach, because not only do I think I deserve the best, I know I will get the best. For the fact that I love to help people and share my experiences with those who need a little help with obstacles on their journeys. I know that whatever I give; I will get back double in rewards. I just need to continue to have faith.
There was once a time that I was so broke, I could not eat. A time where I didn’t know where I would find the money to pay my bills. There was also a time I had no money to put heating in my home, but I just looked at my first son at the time who made me feel blessed to be a mother and he kept me positive to get through it all, as well as my faith in God. This was not because of money, this was because of love. The way I looked at it was, ‘British Gas’ can’t kill me if I don’t have it. I may not be able to run my car, but I can walk for two months to save some money.’
Even though I went through this heart-breaking time and I was emotional. I forgot the most important thing and that was my family. I failed to ask for help and support and if I had done so, they would have got me through the despair of being in a financial mess. Some people are so wrapped up with money issues that they forget the most important people in their lives, family & friends. No money in the world can replace them and definitely not re-build your memories.
If a rich person was to pass away tomorrow, their money could pay for the most amazing funeral, but what is an amazing funeral without your loved ones there to remember you and celebrate your life.
It’s true what I read in an article a few weeks ago by Oprah Winfrey. When people become wealthy, they find that everyone wants to know them, or be in their circle, but when that money is gone, you find out who is truly there for you and to be honest it won’t be many.
“Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
― Oprah Winfrey
The way I see it, money comes, money goes. I was born without it and I will die without it. Just make sure if you have children that when you are gone they will be blessed with some sort of funding, even if it means saving £10 a month from the day they are born. Whatever I have I will make sure my sons are covered, but I do not feel guilty in spending money because I know I am in a better place now. I am not selfish; in fact I am very generous when it comes to money which in the past has made many people take advantage of me. These people took my kindness for a weakness when it came to loaning them money and they chose not to give it back. I know that in my heart, I did nothing wrong and one day they will realise that although they did me wrong, I still survived. But as long as I am happy, taking money from me, scratching my car ,or putting me down because of the things I have achieved will never get me down, because I’ve realised that I’d rather be happy, than have money. I have learnt what it's like to be broke and I've appreciated what it's like to be ok. No money is ever enough for some, but that's not saying you can't be happy with what you have which is the difference. I'm happy with what I have but it doesn't mean that I will not continue to better myself, achieve more and with that will hopefully come with some financial rewards too.
‘A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart.’- Jonathan Swift
