Thank you for this essay, your writing style and thought process are fun to read, and you've articulated the same inner-conversation I have many times throughout the day. Lynne Twist wrote a book called The Soul of Money, which I recommend, on this very topic. I still struggle with being satisfied with "enough" when my ego continually wants for more. More impact, more money, more ability to give. It helps to reflect and ponder the benefits of just enjoying the present for all that it is.
I love this reflection! I found taking time off work was an interesting exercise in really, truly understanding my money scripts. I have my own essay I want to write about scarcity vs abundance mindset but it hasn’t come together the way I want it to yet. To your point, money and value are very personal. I will say, I’m surprised at how much more generous I am now that I’m not making money. I’ve also become a more generous receiver. The lesson with money and boundaries is a more complicated one than I initially thought. Great essay, gave me a lot to think about!
I feel exactly the same, I have seen enough by being in all different spectrums of wealth
(+being an immigrant) to recognize that I do in fact need some money to support my hobbies and to finance my ability to travel and explore the world. I can’t be a hippie who renounces everything.
At the same time, I have to decouple myself from the extremely memetic status games embedded in my culture around affluence and wealth accumulation. Something about being a old man in a fancy mansion feels quite soulless to me. I would rather spend some money carefully on a beautiful ski touring trip and make amazing memories with some friends. I really want to make those truly wild and crazy death defying stories while I am young enough to enjoy the experience. It does require some money, but not a lot if I am smart about it.
I need just enough to live a life where I can look back and be proud of my memories and relationships. I need just enough to take care of my physical health as I grow older. What’s the right number? I don’t really know, but I am sure I will figure something out with time.
Thank you for this essay, your writing style and thought process are fun to read, and you've articulated the same inner-conversation I have many times throughout the day. Lynne Twist wrote a book called The Soul of Money, which I recommend, on this very topic. I still struggle with being satisfied with "enough" when my ego continually wants for more. More impact, more money, more ability to give. It helps to reflect and ponder the benefits of just enjoying the present for all that it is.
I love this reflection! I found taking time off work was an interesting exercise in really, truly understanding my money scripts. I have my own essay I want to write about scarcity vs abundance mindset but it hasn’t come together the way I want it to yet. To your point, money and value are very personal. I will say, I’m surprised at how much more generous I am now that I’m not making money. I’ve also become a more generous receiver. The lesson with money and boundaries is a more complicated one than I initially thought. Great essay, gave me a lot to think about!
Definitely loved the bit about calibrating for what you actually want and how you plan on spending your money
I feel exactly the same, I have seen enough by being in all different spectrums of wealth
(+being an immigrant) to recognize that I do in fact need some money to support my hobbies and to finance my ability to travel and explore the world. I can’t be a hippie who renounces everything.
At the same time, I have to decouple myself from the extremely memetic status games embedded in my culture around affluence and wealth accumulation. Something about being a old man in a fancy mansion feels quite soulless to me. I would rather spend some money carefully on a beautiful ski touring trip and make amazing memories with some friends. I really want to make those truly wild and crazy death defying stories while I am young enough to enjoy the experience. It does require some money, but not a lot if I am smart about it.
I need just enough to live a life where I can look back and be proud of my memories and relationships. I need just enough to take care of my physical health as I grow older. What’s the right number? I don’t really know, but I am sure I will figure something out with time.