Life and its riches

I am very curious about what makes individuals tick, what is their passion and what drives them. What do people strive for and how much of living in the moment will they forsake to maintain their endeavours towards a richer life.

When I was younger I was interested only in spending money, not investing or saving it. I had to have the latest fashion pieces in my closet, I had to be driving a nice car, labels meant something. I bought a house at the age of 21 and hated it. I hated that I could not fill my closet with new jackets come winter and I couldn’t buy rollerblades on the spot. I could not see the advantages of owning that house, in fact I could not see past today so the idea of future investment meant absolutely nothing to me. What an idiot.

My brother on the other hand was the one who was sensible with money. He worked hard and owned properties while I was busy travelling and looking ‘fashionable’. Not to say I am not ‘comfortable’ now, however if I was smarter at investing my money 20 years ago I can tell you I would not be working full time right now, paying off one mortgage.

Yesterday I received a book in the mail by Noel Walker called ‘Get the Life You Want’. Noel is a life coach and mentor, he encourages people to get the life they want. When I posted the picture of his book on Instagram, someone made a comment of ‘I wonder how many people really know what they want.’ That is a very good point.

I personally think, from what I see around me, people tend to fall into two categories – those who strive for bigger and better things; a better paying job, a nicer car, a bigger home, more money, a big closet. And then those that strive for a happy life regardless of possessions. I am the latter. I don’t give a toss about what car I drive (yes sure, if someone gifted me with a Lexus I would happily drive it, however I drive a 15 year old car that rattles), I wear last season’s clothes this season, and I will be wearing them the next, and my home is the size of a shoebox. But the shoebox is filled with family and love and laughter, and beautiful and appreciated moments. I have sentimental pieces that make my heart smile rather than expensive pieces that I feel I need to validate who I am. I don’t. I am me, and regardless of what car I drive or how much money I spend, my true happiness comes from the inside. It comes from my authentic self.

I am not saying people who strive towards a better job and a bigger house are any less significant than I am, or that their way of living is wrong, each to their own. If material possessions truly make a man happy, as in provide him with eternal lasting happiness, then great. I only know that after a shopping trip I do not feel any happier, in fact I feel worse for having spent money on crap I would rather not have bought. I would rather spend my hard earned cash on investments to set myself up for an earlier retirement. Or, on a lovely family holiday or on our home to make it more comfortable. Or on a good meal with my family, sitting around the table laughing and enjoying the small moments.

My how I have changed.



Do you know what you want out of life?

{Image source: Pinterest}