Money is essential, it has the power to solve problems, give comfort and provide happiness. Without money, the necessities of life, like food, shelter, healthcare, security and many other necessities can't be provided and that is capable of causing unhappiness, like real depression.
Money gives so much happiness, and that's the feeling I get when I get a credit alert, but our happiness shouldn't be centered on only money, lack of money shouldn't be the reason to stay sad and depressed. There is much more to be grateful and happy for in life, apart from money.
Apart from the fact that money meets our needs as humans and gives relevant recognition in today's society, I still believe money alone doesn't provide certain values, like genuine love, perfect health, life, everlasting happiness and many other values.
Many people have argued that money can't provide all these values, but have you ever wondered why even the rich still lack in some aspects of life? If money could buy life for the rich man, then the rich man will buy everlasting life for himself, and if it could buy genuine love, the rich people wouldn't complain of betrayal in friendship and relationships.
If money could buy happiness, then the rich men would have the happiest homes.
There are situations money can't solve.
How can we stay grounded in a world that's driven by the search for more money?
In a society that always shifts the goalpost, gives unrealistic standards and a society where there's always a quest for more money to meet up to societal standards and live a big lifestyle, I prefer to choose contentment and gratitude.
I used to be that young girl that was desperate to make money so fast, until I understood that, for most of us, life has stages and has different phases.
All we need is to work hard and smart, practice contentment and stay grateful to survive.
We might not have everything figured out, but it's essential to be contented and grateful. I'm always grateful for what is mine.
It's really difficult to avoid societal and peer pressure in our current society, but to avoid the rat race to get rich in our current society, I learnt to define my worth and see my value beyond money and material benefits
The fact is that there will always be a bigger phone, house, and other luxurious things money can buy and if I keep chasing them, I will keep running in cycles, living above my income to impress society. I might end up in regrets and disaster.
I try as much as I can to not be desperate for money, and enjoy the values and privileges that I have that can't be purchased by money, values like life, good health, family and genuine love and friendship.
I learnt to earn the money I can, spend what I'm capable of spending, and save what I can. Money shouldn't be our full identity and there are other things we can offer apart from money. Our happiness shouldn't always be tied to money.
Also, in a world where there's always a need for more money, I learnt not to compare myself with anyone, I live at my own pace and timing.
How do we ensure we don't get swallowed by the rat race when we're looking for means to take care of ourselves and our families?
Success might just mean money to many people, but it's also important to define what success means to us, and not define success based on the societal view, which centralizes on money and more money.
Apart from financial freedom, success also means peace, peace with myself, family and friends, it means good health and stability. Because money without peace, won't give the required happiness.
Creating realistic financial plan and most importantly, practicing contentment.
To ensure we don't get swallowed by the rat race, we should live a life of contentment and don't compare ourselves with others.
Money is important, but we shouldn't lose ourselves chasing wealth. There are many other essential values that make life beautiful and sustains happiness.
First and Second Pictures (Ai Generated)