A wise man once said, “I’ve been rich, and I’ve been
poor. Rich is better.” Unfortunately, some people
believe that this means wealth will bring happiness.
It won’t. Some of the wealthiest people I know are
miserable. And, I also know many people who do
not have an abundance of funds, who are enjoying every minute
of their lives. Yes, we all need our basics – food, shelter and the
other little necessities of life. But, once we have those, it is up to
us to make the most of every minute. Some people seem to believe
that if you don’t think money buys happiness, you just don’t know
where to shop. On the other hand, almost everyone has realized
that money won’t buy love; and that love is happiness.
I know some of you are saying, “Wait a minute – what
do you know about poverty?” I admit, I’m not talking about
poverty, I’m talking about working people, who are paying
their bills and being judicious about what they spend. We all
have our own needs and priorities, so don’t misunderstand me.
I’m not saying that it isn’t nice to have money. All I’m trying to
convey is that you can be very happy without a surplus of wealth.
However, you do need love and friends, and you don’t have to
buy either, which is good; because as we said earlier, you can’t
anyway.
Of all the things in life that we don’t understand, money
is probably number one. We may say that all we really want is
security. But none of us knows how much that really is. Some
people sit down and add up what they need in order to live, and
then project how much they will need in savings to support that
lifestyle. Yet, they never know how long they will need that
income. I like to tell people that I have enough funds to last me
the rest of my life, provided I die Tuesday. Of course, they know
I’m joking.
However, I have never allowed the fear of not having
“enough” money to threaten my happiness. I live well, but it is
because I want to, not just because I have the financial resources. It
is because I truly do believe that the best things in life are free. We
are constantly surrounded by great opportunities that enable us to
revel in our lives, rather than cower in fear. Auntie Mame said, “Life
is a banquet, and so many are starving.” We can all dance, sing and
rejoice at no cost whatsoever.
So, next time you hesitate to spend a dollar or, even better, to give
it to someone else, stop to think if it will really make a difference in
the long run. You will get by; and life can be a ball. But you have to
keep playing the game and stop worrying, so you can be happy. It is
all up to you.
I’m not myself today and everybody has noticed the improvement 3