Being the frugalista that I am, I enjoy watching Money-Saving-Guru Suzy Orman's show now and then, mostly to watch how other people are squandering their hard earned dollars in this recession hit economy. The most rib tickling episodes are the ones that have her 'Can I afford it' segment where she analyses the financial situation of the person calling in, who in most of the cases wants to splurge on something extravagant, and advises them as to whether they are making a wise choice.
$1000+ Gold Covered Strawberry Dessert - DISAPPROVED!
She ends each episode saying 'People first, then money, then things'. I never really thought much about this statement, instead passing it off as a mantra that she was trying to associate with the brand that she was building. I do however think that statement holds some gravity in our daily life and have to agree with her.
I feel that most of us take the relationships in our life for granted. We do not value people enough and instead spend our time and efforts on material things that will never truly enrich our soul. We take for granted that a parent, brother, sister, spouse will always be by our side and do not make an effort to cherish and further build upon those relationships with them. It is only when those relationships are snatched from us that we realize how precious and irreplaceable they were.
We are so caught up in our daily lives trying to earn money, respect, fame, perfection that sometimes we are willing to sacrifice time with our loved ones, assuming they will be around forever. We work late nights foregoing family dinner time, so that we can get that project done quicker and hopefully earn a word of praise from the big man.
That being said, I do feel that each one of us has to strive hard to fulfill our dreams, be it big or small, because the sense of achievement that one feels when a goal is achieved is priceless. The price of unfailing love and support from your family and friends - Priceless! Is it worth it to sacrifice one priceless feeling with another priceless blessing? Obviously a balance needs to be struck somewhere.
Money is no doubt an important factor in our lives. But, is it the most important? No! Money can be used to buy a lot of things, it however cannot be used to buy the warmth that you feel in your heart, knowing that you are loved and cared for by someone.
With good solid relationships in your life you will have the emotional strength and mental peace to go out into the world and build the financial empire that you want and buy the things that you please. However, the converse does not hold true. You cannot buy loving, caring, well intentioned relationships no matter how much money you have in your coffers.
There will be ups and downs in financial situations during one's lifetime. Material things can be bought and sold. Good relationships, on the other hand, once lost are gone forever.
All this being said, would you prefer driving a Ferrari, all alone, with a wad of cash in your wallet? Or, would you rather prefer to drive a mini-van with a loving spouse by your side, kids in the back seat with their pictures in your wallet?
$1000+ Gold Covered Strawberry Dessert - DISAPPROVED!
She ends each episode saying 'People first, then money, then things'. I never really thought much about this statement, instead passing it off as a mantra that she was trying to associate with the brand that she was building. I do however think that statement holds some gravity in our daily life and have to agree with her.
I feel that most of us take the relationships in our life for granted. We do not value people enough and instead spend our time and efforts on material things that will never truly enrich our soul. We take for granted that a parent, brother, sister, spouse will always be by our side and do not make an effort to cherish and further build upon those relationships with them. It is only when those relationships are snatched from us that we realize how precious and irreplaceable they were.
We are so caught up in our daily lives trying to earn money, respect, fame, perfection that sometimes we are willing to sacrifice time with our loved ones, assuming they will be around forever. We work late nights foregoing family dinner time, so that we can get that project done quicker and hopefully earn a word of praise from the big man.
That being said, I do feel that each one of us has to strive hard to fulfill our dreams, be it big or small, because the sense of achievement that one feels when a goal is achieved is priceless. The price of unfailing love and support from your family and friends - Priceless! Is it worth it to sacrifice one priceless feeling with another priceless blessing? Obviously a balance needs to be struck somewhere.
Money is no doubt an important factor in our lives. But, is it the most important? No! Money can be used to buy a lot of things, it however cannot be used to buy the warmth that you feel in your heart, knowing that you are loved and cared for by someone.
With good solid relationships in your life you will have the emotional strength and mental peace to go out into the world and build the financial empire that you want and buy the things that you please. However, the converse does not hold true. You cannot buy loving, caring, well intentioned relationships no matter how much money you have in your coffers.
There will be ups and downs in financial situations during one's lifetime. Material things can be bought and sold. Good relationships, on the other hand, once lost are gone forever.
All this being said, would you prefer driving a Ferrari, all alone, with a wad of cash in your wallet? Or, would you rather prefer to drive a mini-van with a loving spouse by your side, kids in the back seat with their pictures in your wallet?
this is so true..!! i would definitely prefer the latter!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya.. life's much better when it is shared, donno abt the mini van ;) but I would definitely prefer to have a loving family than being all alone with only money and accolades
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed! Very impressed!
ReplyDeleteI wish u had written this few months before, when i was slogging putting everything else behind. Better late than never-I'm going to keep this in mind.
thanks Megala! yeah, I guess it's never too late to change for the better
ReplyDelete