I just finished a book where some of the characters were “richer than God.” Their words. Not mine. One of the lessons taken from the book was that while money can provide choices, it does not bring you love and happiness. I think this is a very true and often overlooked sentiment. Unfortunately we live in a society that seems to equate the experiences you can afford with your ability to have a good life. Seriously, look at social media. It can 100% give off the vibe of “Oh, you can’t afford to go to Paris randomly on a Tuesday with no planning? Wow…your life must be sad.” Frankly, I’ve never been to Paris, and I think I’m doing just fine thank you very much.
Now, I know some people are going to get their panties in a bunch, but I’m here to deliver a gut punch. If you are a loving, genuine, caring person, then you should NEVER assume someone’s level of happiness or their lifestyle based on how much money they appear or do not appear to have. Likewise, you should never make prejudgments about what people can or cannot do based on how much money you think they do or do not have. Unless you are them or their accountant that has access to their accounts, then the truth is you have NO CLUE about another person’s financial situation.
Okay…I’ll put my soapbox away. I realize that those two paragraphs were a little brash, but sometimes I can’t help it. I get so tired of seeing people marginalized because of preconceived notions about their financial status. My grandmother never had a lot of money in my lifetime, but she was one of the most courageous, giving, and caring people that I have ever encountered. Could she be a pistol? Absolutely! She was a survivor of The Great Depression, had a husband and a son who fought for our country, and combatted a variety of health issues. She would also tell you exactly what she thought usually with Southern Charm (if you know what I’m talking about then I’m sure you’ve said “Bless your heart” to someone). Also, she never went to Paris on Tuesday, but she had more adventures than I can count! She also knew what it was like to scrimp and save, and little things that she saved all year to buy me at Christmas are a 1000% times more valuable than diamonds, pearls, or any other extravagance. Why? They came from the heart.
Guess what? That’s the real thing that determines happiness and love: the heart. If you live in accordance with what brings joy to your heart, then I think you’re golden. I would rather be penniless and live with joy, laughter, love, and happiness than to be rich and miserable like a character from The Great Gatsby. I hope and pray that you are leading your life with your heart and not some misguided idea of needing money and living opulently to be happy.
Because spoiler: it’s not all about the Benjamins.
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
The Great Kaysby 