The Itches of the Riches

For an amateur like me, it is so very difficult to write a professional blog, and that too a philosophical one since the lines are blurred at the point where philosophy and personal experiences are at an equilibrium. But then I may be excused since firstly I am an academician and hence have the right to regale my personal experiences hoping they serve as lessons to a few and secondly, the philosophy of life emerges only when one has seen a lot and felt even more. However, I shall try not to attempt an autobiography out of this post, rather share a few experiences which have made me the person I am today.

I belong to a typical mediocre family, and have never had the privilege to live in a lavish kind of lifestyle. We never really struggled to make the ends meet, since my father made sure all our demands were taken care of, but at the same time, we were never taught to spend money in a careless fashion. During one of those rare moments, when my father and I had deep scholastic talks, my father, unknowingly implanted the seeds of perseverance to simple living and indifference to the riches in me. This helped me during the time in my life, when my friends were all from the opulent society. Spending time with them, gave me a glimpse into their world, and yes at once it made me wish for more than I had. I came back home, not the usual me and spend the whole night tossing and turning, thinking if there was a way we could be like them. Finally when it was morning, I went to my father, like a student goes to his teacher with a doubt. He asked me what was bothering me and I hesitated but told him the entire story. My father smiled and replied, " It is good to be ambitious, but you need to first learn to be worthy of having such ambitions. Your dreams will follow you." 

It took me years to understand what he meant. The day I graduated from college with a masters degree was the day my life took a 180 degree turn. I was not a liability to my parents anymore. Suddenly I could feel the burden on my shoulders and I began shaping up my life, following my father's footsteps. But where he worked to provide us a comfortable life, I started aiming big. Yet I remembered my father's words and little by little I managed to change the way things were done at home. The small contributions I made, were of course noticed by my father and I am here quite proud to say he was happy with me.

Life changed. Responsibilities started piling up, but the words still echo loud enough for me never to lose control and slip. Money or riches for me are now not only means to materialistic wealth and possessions but they are now my own ways of bringing smiles to the faces of the people I love. My grandmother's excitement at the supernatural phenomenon called microwavable popcorn, my brother's exuberance when I treat him to the most expensive fast food restaurant of the city, my mother's haughty smirk at the 4 seater dining table and my father's proud eyes when I offered to pay the electricity and telephone bills every month are the events which inspire me to work harder and achieve other greater ambitions.

I have now learned the art my father wanted me to learn. I now know that for one to be ambitious, he needs to be worthy of what he wants. Money is not for me the hyped MONEY and I am glad not to be a part of the rat race where everyone works for money. I say different. I work for Happiness and that makes all the difference !! I have my priorities set. I want to be happy, not rich and for me that is how it will be.