Ethiopian Review

Money can be too funny at times. We need it like it’s a natural resource. However, those who have the most have some of the craziest issues keeping them up late at night.

by Liya Endale.  Posted:  Tuesday, August 31, 2010

“Money doesn’t cry. And money doesn’t bleed. Money doesn’t fulfill our intangible needs.”

Let me share with you what I have learned through the process of not having too much money in my life. I’ve learned to rely on my family for emotional support to carve my own path and identity in this life. I’ve learned that a dollar saved is a dollar earned, so really I’m working time and a half plus some when I put my money away. I’ve learned that this world does not and will not act like it owes me jack. I’ve learned to prioritize the things I want. I’ve learned that the feeling you get when you finally get that thing you’ve had to sacrifice and save and work for. That feeling is a million times better than being given everything you could possible want. I’ve learned that less is more. I’ve learned to say “I love you” instead of “Give me…” I’ve learned how to be thoughtful when thinking of a birthday present for a loved one. I’ve learned that a thoughtful gift brings tears of joy that a new expensive outfit can never conjure up. I’ve learned how to be creative and realized that this world can’t offer me much that I can’t already make for myself. I’ve learned compassion. I’ve gained understanding. I’ve learned to recognize and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having enough to have everything you need and a little of what you want.

Recently, I’ve had several discussions with people about the difference between people who have acquired wealth in this country and those who are now beginning to build their wealth. I realize that those of us who are acquiring wealth have a different mentality on life than those who have had their wealth passed down to them. The crazy thing about our differences is that each of us claims to ‘be blessed.’ At the same time, we pity each other for the things the other missed out on in life. This phenomenon blows my mind and it has forced me to contemplate the true meaning of being blessed. How can the term ‘blessing’ be associated with such material objects and be…continued…

To read the rest of this article, go to:  http://browncondor.com/events/2010/08/31/the-limitations-of-genzeb/