There are many times in my life when I experience peace within me once I hear the sound of a credit alert on my phone. This is not because I am too greedy for money but because there are always numerous responsibilities on the queue waiting to be attended to, including the unexpected financial needs we can't run away from.
So you see, when people argue that money does not bring happiness, I used to disagree with them.
The thing is, money can never buy happiness directly, but when you stay without money, your peace of mind is stolen at times; there could also be tension over certain situations, and in some cases, relationships are being affected, so you see how powerful money is and how it automatically makes someone happy when money is available to solve our daily needs and problems.
Without going too far, my husband has been very sad because he lacks money. He sees lots of important bills to sort out, but currently, he can't due to lack of money. In fact, there is an important clinical visit I am supposed to make in two weeks' time, but he is already saying it has to be postponed till next month because of money. He has no joy recently; any single mistake I make at home, he will want to eat me raw, lol. No happiness all these while, but sadness at home.
Little things that normally he overlooks suddenly started causing quarrels; all this is because he lacks money. But surprisingly this morning, there seems to be a little light at the end of the tunnel, and he started feeling excited. I was like, "Is this you?" Suddenly he is just seeing the new hair I made since last week and started admiring my hair. I asked him why now; he said, "What do you expect from a man without money?" Wow...it's been long since I saw the kind of smile I experienced today from him, simply because he anticipates money soon; not that he has received it, but he is already happy.
Who says money does not bring happiness? It does! Even for lovers, love alone wouldn't keep that relationship. Once the lovers begin to starve over lack of money, it wouldn't be long; you might start seeing attitude from any of the partners. Imagine having kids stay at home because you can't afford their fees? Sadness it is, but availability of money makes everyone happy once we can confidently fix the bills.
Having said that, permit me to say that endless pursuit of money can steal other important parts of our lives if care is not taken. I know some people who are soaked with making money by all means to the point that family time with their children has become a forgotten issue; they no longer care about their relationships with friends and the like. Nothing else matters but money, and it's never enough. They are always outside day in and day out, and that's where the danger of the rat race comes in.
Personally, I stay grounded by understanding what money is all about: a tool, not my life, and yes, I need money to survive in all angles, but I ensure it doesn't control my life and define my worth. I like to remind myself what money cannot buy, and upon many reflections, I resort to gratitude to God; this way, it helps me stay balanced.
I also like to remind myself to embrace contentment, and this doesn't mean I shouldn't grow financially, but it helps me to avoid an unnecessary rat race. Nowadays, people engage in unhealthy lifestyles over this same rat race; it is what it is.
Overall, money is important, a powerful tool for everyone for survival. But while we work hard to earn and improve our lives, we must remember to protect our peace, relationships, health, and humanity along the way.