By Frank James IV
As 2016 starts many people will begin New Year’s resolutions. There are people who will give up drinking, or try. Many Americans will start exercising swearing to lose weight. Others will say they will “do better” in 2016. What “do better” means only these people and God know. What if people decided to give up the illusion of money equaling happiness?
“Money is the key to end all your woes.” That line is from Run-DMC’s It’s Like That. Many people on this planet believe this statement. But if we are going to be truthful about money, it doesn’t end woes. If people were truly honest money usually creates problems. Before you chop my head off, think. Chasing money and seeking solace in the acquisition has never brought anyone peace. Money is a great tool, but since when has it been the end all be all to everlasting happiness?
How much are you willing to sacrifice to attain a heavy bank account? The merry go around of American society is fueled by this insane quest for monetary happiness. But just like chasing the Holy Grail it’s an illusion. I’m not saying that being poor is beautiful either. Trust me I know that’s a lie. I am saying that money is an instrument to be played or used like a tool.
A person who chases money usually never takes the time to enjoy what they have. True they may buy big houses, fancy cars and clothes but they never really enjoy them. Why? These people are usually out trying to get more money. Many of these “go getter” types ignore family and simple living in the chase of money. By the time they realize what has been missed it is usually too late to redeem the error.
Money has also been turned into a major factor in romance. Many people want to marry someone for financial security. You see this often in professional people. These marriages often turn into ones of convenience. There is no love between the spouses but they have good credit. How many beautiful people have married wealthy people and wound up trading their looks for a Mercedes?
“It’s like the more money we run across the more problems we see.” Notorious B.I.G. was on the right path in the song Mo Money Mo Problems. Look back and think about all the rich and famous that live on financial levels many can’t imagine. While doing this think about the problems these financially secure people have. Exactly. A druggie is a druggie whether they are rich or poor.
Any fool knows that there are more drugs in the affluent suburbs than the inner city. If money was instant happiness then why are the people with more money buying stronger drugs? Why is the upper middle class housewife a drunk? Why is the high school sophomore teen that has a BMW going to counseling? Why is that powerful businessman who has the house, bank account and prestige contemplating suicide? 
If people gave up the illusion of monetary happiness money could be used properly in life. Money is something that should be used to get items you want. Money is not a security blanket for the future. How many times have you heard about a person working their entire life only to retire and drop dead? The money saved went to their family, which is fine. I’m sure the dead person had other ideas.
Money, money, money. Maybe Stuart Wilde was right when he said, “Use money to buy a whole lot of experiences.” Who knows if Wilde was right? For that matter who knows if I’m right or just rambling on? I will say this, “Happy New Year!”
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