The Hazard with money Is that It Never Sufficient
Previously, I believed that the obsession with money stems from ‘greed.'
But now I understand it's just fear
Fear of struggling.
Anxiety of relying on others.
Fear of not being able to provide.
Worry about not being able to meet the rising costs and competition.
In a place like Nigeria, money is more than just a comfort. To many people it is a sense of survival, of dignity and peace of mind....
Come to think of it, the pressure does things to people.
I have witnessed hard working people becoming emotionally exhausted after their lives began looking like one endless pursuit.
Wake up. Work. Think about money. Stress about bills. Repeat.
At some point in our lives, we begin to exist in our day-to-day existence instead of living.
That is why I now grasp the mind in society towards money.
When you've been short of cash, you begin to hear things like “Money doesn't buy happiness” and they seem to be missing something.
Perhaps there's no direct formula for wealth and happiness…
However, not having the cash can certainly induce stress.
Extended stress has a way of impacting everything.. your self-confidence, relationships, health, even your thinking.
Meanwhile I've discovered something significant.
If you're chasing money, then there's always more to come.
The real peril is that.
But there will always be somebody who has more, show more, buy more, achieve more.
If you are only happy when you get to the next financial level, you may not ever be happy.
You'll simply continue to shift the goal post.
I believe social media has worsened this as well.
Everyone seems to be doing well... stable... and just holding their own financially.
People start to compare their lives with highlights.People start to measure their lives against contents and reels and they don't even know it.
That sort of comparison subtly induces worry.
Personally, I don't believe that the answer is "money doesn't matter".
Because it does.
Money gives options.
Money creates security.
Some of the suffering can be alleviated with money.
What I believe is that money is still a useful instrument, but it's not the sum total of your life.
That difference matters.
I get grounded with this one thing: People have money but don't have peace.
It is possible to be rich without being happy.
It's possible to win the race outside the home, and lose the race within the home.
That did change my perspective on wealth.
Well, I see money as something important, but not something that's going to take over my entire life.
I also attempt to focus on the expense of going after it constantly.
Sometimes, individuals become so intent on achieving their goal of “making it” that they lose their relationships, health, rest and even themselves in their pursuit.
But society tells us it's ambition and it's celebrated.
However, not all sacrifices are good.
Grounded means balance for me, making it a conscious choice.
Striving for work without worship of money.
Seeking but not envying.
Financially building while maintaining peace, relationships, mental stability.
If success compromises one's health, one's happiness, and one's life itself... what was the point of success?
I believe the best attitude to have is to know this:
While money is significant, it cannot shoulder all the weight of human happiness.
Money does come with its uses.
There are things you can only get with peace, purpose, meaningful relationships and self contentment.
Ultimately, I still want to grow financially. I still want stability....
I still want it.. But I've also learned that I don't want to lose myself in the pursuit of it.
The rat race can be very dangerous when you don't remember what you originally wanted.