There are so many things that make us great. The power of our mind and the size of our heart can help make the world a better place. And our unique personality traits add a notable zest to our society, much like an extra spice in a Gumbo. Yet, despite all that makes us one-of-a-kind, one factor seems to define all of us.
Money.
Try as we may to avoid it, the amount of money we have dictates our actions and perceptions. We need money to put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads. Money shapes people’s perception of where we came from, and money defines where we’re going. Sometimes we use money in sickening degrees lavish excess — filling our lives with indulgences we don’t need. Other times, we let our lack of money hold us back — our financial burden inhibiting our lifestyle.
Money has a chokehold on our society as well. Needs are met and problems are solved not for the greater good, but instead because of the money exchange involved. That feeling of surprise when we get something for free — that only serves to underscore this point.
Our glorification of those with money only fans the flames; we’re hard wired to pursue more and more of money — first for ourselves, and then for our families. And while we inherently know that money is not correlated with satisfaction, we keep pursuing it, even when we know we have enough.
It’s a damned shame.
Money is a necessary evil in a capitalist society. But there should be some necessary good as well.
Spreading happiness and goodwill — that doesn’t need to come with a price tag. Spending time with the people we care about — that shouldn’t be burdened by the weight of money. The things we create, ideas we share, hobbies we cultivate, lives we impact — they should be celebrated independent of the financial gains they might bring us.
We will still get our money. And spend it. And then spend some more. But our narrative shouldn’t be imprisoned within the confines of our bank account.
The way we live our lives and contribute to our society — independent of our wallets — is what should define us.
Let’s change the narrative.