Money……can’t live without it, but can you be happy without it? Seems everyone wishes to be rich. We envy those who display their riches. We make assumptions about how fabulously their lives are lived. Yep, they have all the money in the world to buy whatever they want and travel on a whim. Question is, are they rich where it counts? Does the two million dollar house, the beach home, the world vacation, the extravagant gift, the expensive restaurant matter if you experience incongruence within all of your relationships? Are you respected because of your wallet or because of your heart? Therein lies the question. How is rich determined? I would argue we are rich when people speak our name with kindness and respect……that our actions speak for themselves. We are rich when we are loved by our partners, kids, families and friends. Yet, we so easily base our value on monetary earnings and net worth. I have a friend who says money doesn’t die with us. We aren’t remembered for the number in our bank account. We are remembered for our contribution of deep emotion that connects the human spirit and transcends all differences. For the human experience is based on that which we feel and perceive from others. We aren’t meant to live alone, and wealth doesn’t buy genuine caring. Yes, money might encourage people to join your life but are you sure those people are there for who you are and the principles on which you stand? For some, the answer is a resounding yes. For others, we don’t want to actually hear the answer. Listen, we all want to be accepted for who we are on the inside. Somehow though, we think we need to achieve greatness to secure acceptance, in whatever form that comes. The perceived easiest path to greatness is through quantifiable means, hence monetary worth. It’s a cycle so difficult to break. I might argue the second perception of greatness and acceptance is to be loved. When neither of these is perceived to be achieved, we slump into the negative thoughts of not being good enough and not being lovable. “What is wrong with me” becomes the broken record in our minds. It’s a cycle that is often challenging to break. Human nature is to require validation. When that isn’t received, we now feel inadequate, as if something is missing within. It’s easy in this state to look at the wealthy or those whose love is reciprocated and wonder what it must feel like to be rich. No greater love is there than reciprocal love. Well, those with religious beliefs will say that no greater love is there than that from God…..and true, I too believe that. I also believe we are meant to experience love over money. All the money in the world can’t buy eternal happiness. It’s a bandaid on the pursuit of life’s most precious commodity…….belonging and love. Next time you feel inadequate and envy the rich, remember that which brings love into your heart, and know those feelings are the true meaning of life’s riches.

*Pulled this graphic from Facebook as it felt so appropriate to my words. Photo credit to Becoming Minimalist.*