#9 – On the Value of Money

“Money is the longest route to happiness.”

Evangeline Lilly, cast member of Lost television program
Quoted in Women’s Health magazine, June 2009.

Why I Like This.

I see a road extending so far you can’t see the end. If we think we can’t be happy until we reach a certain level of wealth, we’ll almost certainly never reach the goal. For when we reach the first level of wealth, we’ll see that there’s still more road ahead.

And while we’re on that long road, we pass by the flowers, streams, sunsets and the smiling friends and family that could have provided us that happiness all along.

Whenever I’m feeling financially confined, lacking freedom to come and go and do as I please, I feel better remembering something our mother used to say: Be thankful if your problems can be solved just by having more money.

Because money is inadequate when it comes to solving many of our problems. Only generous amounts of love, forgiveness, patience, time, and acceptance can hold a family together, mend estranged relationships, or heal a broken heart.

Pop-up Proverbs are sayings that catch my fancy as I go about my day. Some have surprising sources; all of them have made me stop and think – and maybe smile a little.

#1 – Gossip:

“When you’re talking about me, you’re leaving someone else alone.”

My dad – Bruce Kitt 1921-2007
As quoted by my mother

#2 – Fear

“It is not failure itself that holds you back; it is the fear of failure that paralyzes you.”

Brian Tracy
Nightingale-Conant Newsletter, May 17, 2009

#3 – Materialism

“[Islam] teaches me to hold my material possessions in my hand, and not my heart, so if they’re taken away from me I won’t be affected.”

Abeer Raazi, May 14, 2009
Interview with Krista Tippett on Speaking of Faith radio program

#4 – Wealth

“Money is the longest route to happiness.”

Evangeline Lilly, of Lost
Quoted in Women’s Health magazine, June 2009

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