Why do we chase money?

If you find yourself constantly comparing your wealth to others or constantly being dissatisfied with what you have, this post is for you.

     Why do we chase money? Really think about this for a moment. We often dream of owning larger houses or accessing exclusive opportunities. However, that is just a comparison between us and somebody else. We only want these things because others tell us that we want them. If you imagined that every opportunity in life had equal value, you would see how there are so many different paths in life that are successful rather than the single narrow ideal that society paints. For example, you feel jealous because you cannot go on a trip abroad like all of your friends do. But surely there are fun things you can do even if you don’t travel? What about going on days out with friends? Reading? Starting that business? Playing a sport? If you understand that everything we do as humans is just to feel an emotion, to experience something new, there are so many ways to do that, there is no point in getting hung up on a single opportunity you missed out on. 

     Also, there is no point in comparing yourself to and being jealous of others that seem to have more money, experiences and a better life. Every life has its ups and downs and every person has something that another does not have. Perhaps you were born with loving parents, but you have little education. Perhaps you are blessed with a good education, but you have little money. Perhaps you have material wealth, but you do not have a passion in life and are feeling lost. Since every life is an experience and a feeling of happiness, fulfilment, success, sadness, loneliness or regret, what matters is not what you miss out on, but what you make of what you do have. For everyone who lives their life to the full, who makes friends and loves their family, who strives for their goals each day and is satisfied with themselves has the capacity to feel and experience the life of a great person, whether rich or poor, and whatever happens in their life. So don't spend your life chasing money. Money itself is empty. Don't worry about what you have in comparison to others. Remember the things that really matter and make time for those things. Then you will live a richer life without having to earn a single extra penny.