One of my friend and I has a unique way to greet each other when we chat on the phone. Our "how-do-you-do" greeting is a twist from norm:
Friend: Daniel, how are you?
Me: Just return from work/giving tuition classes
Friend: Wah, you are so busy working. Must be rich now!
Me: No lah! I dun earn as much as you.
Friend: Where got? You work so long hours. You must have alot of money in bank now.
Me: Nonsense. Your frozen account has more money...
(Above is conversated in Singlish)
The conversation will go on and we will argue that we are poorer and the other party is richer. Later, we will conclude that although my friends earns more money but his monthly expenses are much higher than mine. To you readers, it may be a lame or humourous conversation. However, I find it inspiring in someway...
It is true that money is required for modern life to be comfortable and secure. However, money can buy temporal happiness but not bliss. It can buy security, momentary enjoyment, but not true happiness and joy. In fact, the quest for money can sometimes make one's life complicated and stressful. It actually diminishes happiness by focusing attentions on the areas of life that do not increase happiness.
Happiness comes from the soul - from giving, loving, connecting with other people and being content with who you are as a human being.
Apart from pursuing money, there are other aspects of life which deserves our attention. One such aspect is our spiritual and mental health. We need to strike a balance in our life. Work enrich our experience and creates a purpose and goal in our lives. But it should not be a focus on getting more money. Hence we need to be mindful of our lives as well.
No matter how wealthy a person is, he will never be truly rich if he is not satisfied with what he already has. He will never feel enough and he craves more more even though he already has alot. He leads an unsatisfying life. On the other hand, a materialistically poor person who is contented with his life, is the richest person on earth. For he has nothing to ask for, he has no craving and unlimit desires. He is the happiest person.
So think about it, are you rich or poor? 
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
