From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
85 Money and Wellness
I don't know who originally said this but it's profound! Most people spend the first 40 years of their lives ignoring their health to make money. Then they spend the last 40 years spending that money to regain their health! How true. And how stupid!
Ellen Kreidman , American author of "Light His Fire" writes of the early days of her marriage where they were young and poor as churchmice; their dream was to go on an exotic cruise and she convinced him that if they didn't do it now - they would be in their sixties before they had another chance.
While on board, they met an elderley couple who were very wealthy - the older woman was covered in expensive jewelry and looked well. However, as they talked she gave Ellen the news that she was dying. She and her rich husband had delayed having time together or going on holidays to make money. Finally, they had the money to relax. But not the life. When they found out she had only months to live , their whole perspective on life changed.
Why wait for a life threatening crisis to put our attitude to wellness, life and money in perspective? Most people assume we all work just to earn money. Wrong! Some do, of course, but the majority of people work because it's their main source of meeting people; they get recognition and a sense of achievement and satisfaction from their work; it educates them; gives them new experiences; it gives them a sense of purpose and meaning; and...... it gives them money.
If we're smart we'll find a job we love that does give us some of those qualities. If we are working and we hate every day we are there, we are on our way to some form of illness. We need to change quickly or learn to love something about that job.
For those who love their job and stay there most of their waking hours - ask yourself 'why?'. Are you doing this to avoid problems at home?; are you overcommitted?; are you obsessed with success, earning more and having security?; or are you trapped on the treadmill and in the habit of ignoring the rest of your life , not to mention your family? Is this the way you want to end up - rich, tired and lonely? Or worse, rich and sick?
How can we make sure we have a life, as well as earn money? Either develop cancer, or change your attitude before you have the heart attack, divorce or other major illness!
There is no magic answer and we know it - the change has to be one we make a commitment to because we see or feel or become aware our health is gradually being eroding away; or that we hardly ever laugh any more; or that our partner and children don't talk to us any more because we are never there; or that we never see friends because we (and they) are too busy doing overtime? We need to think about what we are giving up to make all this money.
I wonder if money does buy all the things we think it will. A phrase I heard some time ago has stuck with me - 'I 've been rich and happy and poor and happy. If I had a choice, I'd rather be rich and happy!'. Of course we all would, but bulk money isn't a prerequisite for happiness.
It usually doesn't make loneliness disappear; it doesn't boost our immune system; it doesn't make us feel fulfilled; it doesn't give us a sense of community or purpose.
It doesn't replace loved ones and it doesn't make or break relationships - but our attitude to money does. If we expect money to cure all our problems, to give us the car that will make us happy or the house that will make us happy or the clothes, people, TV's, stereos, and other material possessions that will surely add excitement to our lives, our attitude needs work.
Money is good to have, security is essential, but life , love, family, friends and wellness are far more important (which we realize when we don't have them) - and they are things that all the money you are earning while you are missing life, cannot buy.
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