November 13, 2023
Yesterday, I wrote about my new morning routine. One of those new routines is reading a book. In the book that I am reading, "Simplify and Create Abundance" by Bo Sanchez, the second chapter is titled "Learn To Be Happy Without Lots of Money".
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
In this time of commercialism and materialism, the question is, can we be happy without lots of money?
No Money Could Mean Missery
If you don't have money, it could mean a miserable life. Especially if you don't have enough money for even a single meal in a day. Then again, the title mentioned "without lots of money" NOT "without money". There is a lot of difference between the two (and I mean literally and figuratively).
One thing for sure though, the title got me thinking.
Probably you have enough money to feed your family three times a day. There could be times when your income barely makes ends meet that sometimes you need to take out some loans.
Do you look at those brand-new cars your friends drive and think "I wish I had a car like that." Or you think that if you have an expensive car, a two-story house with swimming pool would make you really happy. Would they?
Personal Reflection
I don't have lots of money. I don't even have enough money to repair our old house that we have to live with my in-laws. I even have to sell my motorbike. Thus my common mode of transport from the house to school is what we call "BMW". I don't mean the expensive car... I mean "By Means of Walking!".
A lot of times I had to say no to what my two boys are asking me to buy for them. Telling them we need to save some money for more important things.
Am I Happy?
I admit I still dream of owning a Honda CRV or at least a BRV. Lately, I downgraded my dream and thought I'd settle for a Suzuki Espresso which is about half the price of the CRV. I also dream of living in our own house, watching the sunset from our second floor balcony.
However, I can not afford either of those dreams... for now.
But I am happy?
For sure, I am happy to spend some quality time with my two boys and my wife. We don't go out to the mall often, but we often spend time together at home, especially in the evening.
My wife and I can feed them at least three times a day. My wife and I hardly get into a disagreement. My secret is to keep quiet when she transforms into a dragon when she's mad. LOL!
So am I happy?
Even without lots of money? I guess I am happy. I am satisfied with I have now.
In Closing
Contentment. I think this is the secret. Something that I have learned at an early age. I have learned to be contented with whatever I have at the moment. However, it does not mean I should stop dreaming. I still dream of earning more money. Not for the purpose of buying things that I need, but for the future of my kids.
Thanks for reading.
Post No. 2023-49
Date Posted: November 13, 2023, Philippine Standard Time
All images are mine unless otherwise indicated.
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Wes & Grindan