Thursday 1 December 2011

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}

15 comments:

  1. Ahh, Peggy, I've been out of the blogosphere for sometime while optus sort out my connection issues. I have missed being able to peruse, ponder and comment on your insightful posts.

    I too am not driven by material posessions. As I have matured, I have come to realise that my life compass is and should always be steered by 'Love' and that shall hold me in good stead.

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  2. Oh, how have you changed! Lovely blog Pegs xx

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  3. You know...i have no idea what I really want. When I was 24 I told my then boyfriend there were two material possessions I wanted-a house and a diamond. I now have both but have realised that it was never the 'things' that I wanted but the sentiment behind them. The ring meant someone chose me. For life. The house means security. But I would still have everything I want without the diamond and the house because I have such a divine family...

    Such a beautiful post and one I know I will still be thinking about tomorrow x

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  4. Yes.
    Maybe we do get wiser after all.
    My vision is definitely less clouded than it was ten years ago, my energies (and money)not as misdirected.
    I feel that the the key to a content, fulfilling life is to find what makes you happy and do it as often and as wholeheartedly as you can. Whatever that might entail.
    I always love your wisdom.
    :-)

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  5. I think it's a case of each to their own really. I also believe that certain people change their approach as they work their way through their life... much like you have.
    For me, I have always had a focus on where I wanted my money to go and what I needed to do to make it happen. I am not materialistic, but do appreciate nice things. That being said, I'd far rather have a home than flashy possessions. Our home is super tiny and is filled with a conglomeration of very old and new... but we do love it that way. I just couldn't be bothered buying things to try and impress other people, as long as we're comfortable, that's all that matters :o) xo

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  6. My thoughts exactly Teresa, exactly!!

    @Mum, thanks Duck. We could've made some of my 20-something quotes into a book couldn't we!? haha

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  7. Thank you Kate. I agree, the diamond and the house do carry sentimental value not just material worth. And as much as I would love a huge house, I don't want to be working myself to the ground to achieve it. I would rather a smaller house and more quality time with my family. For this reason I don't like the idea of my husband working away (although some don't have a choice) as I would prefer he is home to enjoy the small moments with us. It is all about priority I guess, and my priority is quality, family time above money and material things. :)

    Glad you enjoyed it Kate, thanks so much for stopping by again. xo

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  8. Shar that is very true, it is about finding what fills your heart with joy and doing it often. I think the upside of age and maturity is that priorities change, and in my case for the better. And aren't I glad about that! I love getting (old) wiser. :)

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  9. Julie it is definitely about the individual and we all have different ideals and priorities. If material possessions make one happy then there is nothing wrong with that. And I have to admit I love pretty things as much as the next! I however prefer to spend money on things that provide quality of life for my family rather than objects to improve my appearance to others (much like you said). Don't get me wrong, if I ever win lotto I am buying that Lexus! But not while I have a mortgage and have to work to pay it off.

    Comfort is definitely something we appreciate since we can afford to indulge in it, but we live far from a flashy existence. :) xo

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  10. Yes, in answer to your question, my daughters finding themselves and being all they can be from a far earlier age than it took me (I've given them a mirror just in case), and to also be able to help others do exactly the same.

    Basically, I want my life to be happy, healthy and fulfilling, driven by purpose and passion, and filled with ongoing moments of joy. :) oh yes and my Ferrari... Well you did ask.

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  11. Well if a Ferrari makes the drive smoother then why not! You worked your butt off for decades, you need some comfort rewards! I am sure I will be driving that Lexus one day, just not quite yet. :)

    I think it is awesome for the younger generations to have access to knowledge on living a full life and having the drive to take their lives in the direction they want earlier on. I see 20-somethings that are full of passion and following their dreams, and I am in awe. I had NO IDEA at 20. Or even 30.

    My weekend is reading your book Noel, I look forward to it.

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  12. I think success is about being happy.... some people need more possessions to be happy, some people need less stress to be happy.

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  13. That is true. Some people thrive on high-functioning jobs and the money that comes with it. I used to be very career-oriented when I was younger, now I have shifted towards being more family-oriented. Neither is better than the other but the second makes me much happier. :)

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  14. Awesome post Peggy. You have such a talent for putting thoughts into words and enciting us to ponder and think. Umm is it wrong if I want it all? Lol I know at the end of the day all that really matters to me is my family and our health, but I do so enjoy comforts as well. xxx

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  15. Thanks Sonia, these are the very things I find myself wondering about. There is nothing wrong with wanting it all, as long as happiness is not sacrificed for money and all that it buys. You have a strong family focus, all the comforts are just topping. :) Enjoy gorgeous. xo

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