Love, that feeling some folks think comes from the heart and science enthusiasts know is a chemical cocktail in our brain, the one that makes us feel like we're soaring high without wings. But why do we often compare and contrast this biochemical process with something as different as money? We could debate this for hours, but let's get to the topic of the week.
Would you rather find true and lasting love or take $200,000 USD in cash?
Based on a study I just made up, 9 out of 10 folks who are gonna answer this question will choose love 😅, whether due to social pressure or personal opinion, it doesn't matter. I'm also part of that 90 percent😁.
If you haven't heard from me before, let me tell you that I'm from Cuba, a little island in the Caribbean surrounded by problems. In my case, I was born into a hardworking family; my parents have worked all their lives from sunrise to sunset with the sole purpose of providing my sister and me with a decent life (thanks Mom and Dad!). We never had an abundance of money, so choosing the money option would fix my family's life and that of any Cuban in general (200K USD goes a long way to live modestly for a few years), but that's not how we were raised.
Growing up in a humble life, love is present every day (it's in our blood, I believe). It starts when you're a little kid in the neighborhood and you fall for the neighbor who plays with you (without even knowing much about life) and goes on until you're old and care for your grandkids better than your own kids. But this article is about my opinion, so take all my money and just give me love.
My own experience has shown me that there's nothing like love. Whether it's the love of family, a partner, a pet, or whatever. In my short life, I've achieved some successes that have come with good pay, but after getting paid, what's next? Sure, it feels great to buy things, travel, and have some financial freedom, but at the end of the day, you go home alone with no one to share your experiences with, and that's tough, my friend. I came to this conclusion during the pandemic period, sadly (like many of you reading this), I lost important people in my life, my job forced me to be away from my family and partner, and those were tough times that reaffirmed to me the importance of love. I can tell you that no amount of money can make us feel any different.
Satisfying love relationships give us a sense of belonging and importance. Let's think about it: the latest car model gives us elevated status, but how about a conversation until the wee hours with your partner? Or a family dinner where grandma shows off her age? Much better, right? That's where the big difference lies, in that little detail.
There's a type of love that's worth more than any fortune, luxuries, travels, or opportunities, and that's self-love. If we're not able to love ourselves first, we won't be able to love others. That's just how it works, my friend. So, if you don't believe in this, just dedicate an hour a day to yourself and you'll see how your life changes, from the smallest things to what you thought was impossible. And then, you can thank me.
Thinking back for this post, I've realized that achieving success, setting goals, and overcoming tough times in my life has always been accompanied by love, whether it's from family or a partner. Nowadays, my family and my partner are the two pillars that drive me to achieve my goals and fight for my objectives. They're my lifesaver when things get rough, and I feel lucky to have them in my life. Being in love with your family, partner, or life in general is awesome. It makes us happier and healthier beings (and this has been proven by multiple studies). When you're in love, don't you tend to maintain a positive outlook on life and everyday situations? Well, that's the essence of love.
Thanks to love, I hope to launch a project soon that contributes to the adoption of the Hive ecosystem in my city. So, long live LOVE!If you made it this far, tell me, why choose money over love? It's not just talk, actions speak louder than words. So, what's your take on this? Are you currently in love? If not, what's holding you back? Remember, our lives started with an act of love from our mothers (and after studying gynecology, I believe pregnancy is the ultimate act of love). So, all I can say is love with all your heart, because you never know what tomorrow brings.
Sure, some may argue that you need money to have love. A trip to Paris or Rome with your partner is an unforgettable experience, and you're right. But happiness doesn't always come with a big price tag. Going to the beach, watching the sunrise or sunset, enjoying an ice cream, making your mom smile, and so many other things don't require money and are the things that make us fall in love the most. At least, that's been my experience. What do you think? Have you ever made plans with your loved one with little or no money? Do you think those moments are more valuable than any amount of money someone could offer?
Don't forget, tough times happen to everyone. You may feel unlucky and like there's no love in your life right now, but you just have to take a second and look around you. Love is everywhere, and always remember to love yourself first. Thanks for reading
All the photos are my property and were taken during my last visit to the Havana Botanical Garden
