Let us just agree that money is just a form of exchange to participate in the money game to be comfortable and lessen the financial burden (stress) that comes with the territory.
However we must define for ourselves what exactly is true financial well-being and freedom, is it measured by the digits in our bank account or can we at least recognize that true inner self -worth vs net worth that we place on ourselves which matters most to you, has more meaning than material things.
“It is not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy that counts. The bee is praised; the mosquito is swatted- Mary O’Connor
Let’s Find Out About You
A question: What is true financial freedom or true wealth mean to you? What do you value most in your Life, is it money or Life (pause and think about it before you answer it for yourself)?
Meanwhile, allow me to answer for you: it is NOT the sums of your payslips (paychecks) or income generated from your business, your fancy and fast Standard Utility Vehicle (SUV) or expensive flashy toy cars, your comfortable homes in an exclusive private golf estate, the bling-bling (brand label) clothes on your back, your available balance (digits) at the bottom of your bank statement, or the accumulation of your investments, your shopping spree. Then, what is it? Read on…
However, I can tell you that we cannot measure our true inner self-worth by how much money, savings, and investments we have accumulated over the years (although I must add, it does make life easier and the world go round).
I do not have to remind you of the collapse of Lehman Brothers in America back in 2008 and Enron on the American stock exchange. Here in South Africa, we were not spared either, African Bank in 2014, and Steinhoff in 2017.
A few others around the world (those pension funds, shareholder interests, savings that have been invested, worth billions disappeared, came crashing down like a house of cards, on the stock exchanges just like a wind that blows down straws-all in one day wiped out).
Was there anything left for us? The simple answer is “no.” So, if we define inner self-worthiness in that fashion, then we are lying and demeaning ourselves to doom and gloom as if we do not matter much.
What is true financial freedom, then? It is who we are, the inner power we possess within, the inner knowing, the confidence, walking in that power, the authority, the assurance, and, above all else, the core of our Being that keeps us grounded, breathing, and alive.
It is the richness and worthiness that come from within to reach a state of true contentment, abundance, true happiness, true gratitude, appreciation, the true core of who we are that will attract true wealth and eventually financial freedom, and that is PRICELESS.
Take Stock of Your Material Assets
“Do an exercise, take time in your house, pretend you’re holding a “garage sale” and place a price tag on each item in your “store” that you initially paid for, including your TV set/screen, couches, dining table, chairs, carpets, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, clothes, shoes, bags, your car-and then put an imaginary price of what you think it will be worth Today. I must admit, this exercise also helps to realize how much “stuff” we accumulate over the years, that we never use, yet we say we need it and we’ll use it or wear it one day, but that day never comes until it rots, or collects dust.
Separate those ordinary items from those that really create memories in your heart (sentimental value, as we call it) and affix a price tag, for example, wedding rings, washing machines, a family painting, clothes or shoe bags. Now, the question is, at what price tag will those items that carry memories closer to your heart?
Suze Orman
What we really would like to know is, what price tag would you put on your Life? What we are really asking is, once all those items have been affixed with price tags, would your life be defined by the accumulation of those “sold” items? Would you equate your self-worth with the money (profit) you have made by selling those items (net worth). Is your Life equal to the sum of all the “sold items” with price tags? Is that what inner self-worth is all about to you? “
In the Final Analysis
I hope and trust that this article and topic have revealed to you that our lives are not equal to the price tags we put on the materialistic life that we live Today; Think about it this way: when we eventually leave this earth, which we all will one day, how much of the material things do we take with us into our coffins and then ultimately into our graves, not even a cent or penny?
It makes you think, doesn’t it, and questioning the real reason, why we do the things that we do, spending all of our lives chasing material things that we will never take with us, is mind-boggling.
What is your true inner self-worth when you realize that in our rush to make money and live, we should learn that money has incredible energy and power, capable of doing amazing, wonderful things for ourselves and others depending on whose hands it is in?
Yet, money can also create fearful moments, paralyzing us. I want you to re-visit your financial approaches, tendencies, and behaviors that are not serving you to give you a perspective, wisdom, and appreciation that you have never had before.
However, if put to good use, it can bring a tremendous amount of joy, happiness, fulfillment, and abundance that will live on, looking after your loved ones and the next generations to come, long after you are gone.
Again, taking steps to accumulate money to create great fortunes – is not a bad idea at all. However, it is our responsibility to respect our limited time on this planet and use it wisely; give some of the money away for good causes; you will always reap what you sow, just as we are expected to use our TIME wisely to achieve our goals and make it to the end.
What does “true inner self vs. net worth” mean to you? And how much is it worth to you? Please take some time and answer it for yourself. You will be glad you did.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. Please leave a comment, or a question, or share your story below about what is true financial freedom and what you value more in your life today, and let us engage further. Thank you once again for gracing us with your presence.
