Last week I had one of those weeks where everything just seemed wrong. Nothing in particular set me off, but I found myself in a depressed mood just ready to shut everyone out and give up on everything. I thought of the most important things in my life, my daughters and family, and just cried to myself the entire weekend.
I took a break from blogging and online activities. I only checked my email maybe a couple of times all week long. The only writing I did was one post that I was obligated to do because of a deadline. Monday and Thursday’s blog posts had been written the previous week and scheduled ahead of time.
I did a lot of thinking, maybe too much thinking at certain times. But, sometimes it takes days or weeks like these for me to evaluate my life and have a wake up call.
What I thought of most was the meaning of life.
Money, Stuff, Statuses – Do not Matter
I might be getting kind of deep here, but I did start this blog to chronicle my journey and I am going to do just that. I have thought so much about the meaning of life over the past week.
We are put on this earth we live and we all die. It’s an unavoidable fact.
The time that we spend on this earth should be focused on other people. People we love, people we can help, and people who make us happy. While we all do need money to live on and goals to keep us in line, money is just a means to provide the necessities we need in life.
People are what life is all about.
Finding Happiness
I want to be remembered as a person who was there for others. I want people who I love to feel like they can confide in me about anything and know that I care and will be there for them. I want to help people who cannot help themselves. I want my kids to always feel loved and to always know that my arms and heart are open to them.
I don’t think material possessions will ever truly fulfill any of us. I am not against money or buying stuff. We are all human and have materialistic wants. But, at the end of the day we are only alive for a short period of time. Memories, love, and people are the meaning of life. In the end it won’t matter how nice your house or car is, how much money you have in the bank, what your college degree is, or where you work at. What will matter is what type of person you were and that the people you loved knew that you loved them.
Next time you are feeling down or running low on money count the people in your life who love you. They’re what matters!
Sorry you have a rough week but it seems that week help you put life in perspective. One of the biggest reasons I quit my 8-5 jobs was to enjoy time with my family. Yes I have other plans and goals but being able to spend time with the ones I love and care about means more to me then the money I was making. The money will come or its there already just make the most of what you have.
It’s a brand new day, Alexa. I hate it when I get stuck in one of those places. You know you have the power to change the way you feel, but sometimes it can be really difficult. Like you, I find focusing on the things I’m grateful for in my life really starts the shift from depression to happiness.
I agree with you that the people in my life are the foundation of my wealth. But for me, monetary wealth is also a factor because it allows me to do work that I love (which involves helping others).
Your girls are so adorable~they’re fortunate to have a mom like you!
Ree ~ I blog at EscapingDodge.com
Thanks Ree! I want to be financially independent as well so that I can do what I love. I just want to keep in my mind all the time that people are what matters, not money or stuff.
Love love love this post. This is something that I have been thinking about for a long time, and very deeply. Money shouldn’t matter, happiness should!
Nice post Alexa! It can be so easy to get caught up in money and trying to achieve more, but life is too short to let that dictate your life. At the end of the day you can almost always find ways to make more money, but not more time.
At the end of life, nobody ever says “I wish I would have worked more” or “I wish I had more money.” People always regret things like not spending more time with family or not helping others as much. I think your perspective is right on Alexa!
Excellent Post! I’m sorry to hear that you had a rough time last week. 100% agree that money, status and material things are not nearly as important as our relationships with other people. That is the true source of happiness.
I was thinking about this the other day. I was having a lot of anxiety about juggling bills. I realized it was a beautiful day and that I wasn’t enjoying it. I knew that I wouldn’t enjoy spending time with my kids if I kept worrying. It is so hard Not to worry. Where is that fine line between having faith and being a flake ?
~ Christie
P.S. I went to a beautiful store today that made me feel that I wanted a LOT of spending money. I’m usually pretty content with what I have. Maybe I won’t go back to that store ?
Good idea, Christie! There’s a wonderful saying that says “If you don’t want to spend money, stay out of the stores!” I also think its an interesting question you pose…Where is the fine line between having faith and being a flake? I think they are two completely separate ideas; you can be both, one or neither. Trust me, if you’re pondering the question, you’re not a flake.
Pearls of wisdom here, Alexa! The great thing about those sucky weeks is that they do help you to remember what’s important. All of the money in the world won’t matter if your babes don’t know how very much you love them. Money is nothing, relationships are everything!