"Money may bring comfort, but true wealth goes beyond the balance in your bank account. It is found in the things that money can't buy: love, happiness, a meaningful life, purpose, and contentment." — Sakeenah'writes
In a world consumed by materialistic desires, it is easy to confuse money with wealth. We often measure success by the size of our bank accounts, equating financial prosperity with true happiness. But what if I told you that money isn't wealth? Read Ada's story to find out WHY.
We all know that rich kid, whether in class, school, or the workplace, who outspends everyone, leaving us in awe, whispering, "GOD WHEN!" Ada was that kind of girl who never wore more than three different shoes per week, 3 new bags in a session, spent nothing less than 1000 during break period, wore nothing more than 4 different wrist watches per week, and ate nothing more than two laps of chicken on her food, excluding the 1000 feeding fee.
Not just that, while many kids would use the public transport or trek to the nearest bus stop of their home before boarding a bus, Ada always had a middle aged man who we all knew to be her dad's driver come to pick her up after school everyday. Many students, including me, admired Ada's lifestyle, and always wished for a smooth and soft life like hers.
My admiration for her extravagant lifestyle and spending manner, led me to forge a friendship, enjoying perks like free food, rides, gifts, and even fleeting fame simply because I was close to her. As a child influenced by peer behavior, I wanted to be recognized as a "rich kid" and devised a plan to appear wealthy in school.
One week later, I too began swapping school sandals, donning a wristwatch, changing hair bands, purchasing snacks above 500 naira, and enjoying cheap fame – a routine unprecedented in my life. This persisted for nearly two weeks until one morning when my mom lamented the abrupt disappearance of her money. She expressed distress over incurring debts since the funds intended for settling them had vanished. Trying to feign ignorance, I nervously packed my bags, aiming to exit stealthily and evade suspicion. As I reached for the door, a sense of someone tapping me made me turn around. It was my mom asking me to return, as she intended to search everyone's bags. Sweating profusely, my attempts to escape proved futile. In my bag, my mom found #3,000, questioning its origin. With a trembling voice, I explained, "It's Ajo (group savings) money, and I'm in charge this week, Mom." Relieved, she permitted me to go to school, and I hurried out like a fugitive escaping prison.
That morning at school, I proudly displayed my new wristwatch and sandals which I purchased with stolen money. Despite my conscience nagging at me, my ignorance, lack of contentment, and greed silenced any guilt-inducing thoughts. During break time, as I was leaving the class, I was intercepted by my mom and form teacher. Before I could say anything, my mom delivered a tight slap to both sides of my cheeks, signaling trouble. She questioned the class about my involvement in any Ajo, and if I was in charge. The class denied my involvement, and my mom, visibly upset, left, forewarning a challenging evening at home.
Feeling out of sorts throughout the school day, my classmates pressed for details about the incident. However, my thoughts were consumed by the impending consequences awaiting me at home. When school ended, I returned home with trepidation, knowing I was in deep trouble. Greeting my mom, her ambiguous smile left me uncertain about my fate. After a restless evening, I went to bed, only to be awoken around midnight by the sound of a cane landing on my back.
That night, my mom flogged me mercilessly, and added to my misery by instructing me to wash clothes meant for the weekend at 2 am. The ordeal lasted until 5 am, leaving me with marks and tears. I regretted pretending to be someone I wasn't, stealing my mom's money to compete with Ada and gain undeserved fame. I spent my Saturday in isolation, groaning in pain from the lashes. Eventually, my mom pitied me and massaged my body with hot water and a towel, allowing me to sleep.
On Sunday morning, our class captain called, sharing rumors that Ada, the wealthy girl, had died in the hospital after swallowing poison. Intrigued, I investigated, discovering that Ada, the only child and daughter of her parents, faced a lonely life. Her father, a naval officer, traveled the world, rarely spending time with the family. Ada's mom, a renowned and rich cloth seller, usually comes home late at night, and often spent her weekends attending weekend parties. Both parents, blinded by their chase for material possessions, ignorantly felt the money, mansion and affluence was enough to give their child, Ada, the happiness she always yearned for as a teenager.
Ada's demise brought tears; she was too young for such emotional trauma. At that moment, I realized that I may not be from a rich family, and my dad may not be able to afford a mansion or Jeep, but I had a supportive and exemplary family, something Ada was never privileged to enjoy. Imagine a young girl surrounded by luxury, yet trapped in loneliness and pain. Despite the facade of affluence, she grappled with emotional trauma. I blame myself for not understanding her loneliness amid her extravagant lifestyle. Ada's death was painful, yet it taught me invaluable life lessons that shaped who I am today. Below are some of the priceless lessons Ada's short-lived life taught me:
1. Just because someone is rich and lives in affluence doesn't mean they are happy or wealthy. There are many rich families today who are swimming in affluence, but lack the harmony, tranquility and bond a familiar should have, and as a result of these insecurities and unrest, their children are forced to seek happiness through the wrong means, and from the wrong environment, leading to adverse outcomes such as untimely death or suicide.
Wealth isn't measured by the number of zeros in our bank accounts, but by the depth of our human connections, the moments of genuine joy, the bond we share with our loved ones, and the positive impact we have had on the lives of people. True wealth lies in finding contentment and appreciating what we already have.
2. Wealth isn't found in material possessions or extravagant lifestyles; it is found in the intangible aspects of life that money can't buy. It is found in the love we receive and give to others, the happiness we find in the simple pleasures, the sense of purpose and fulfillment we derive from meaningful work or relationships, and the contentment that comes from living a life aligned with our values. There is more to life than money, and material possessions.
3. Money can provide comfort and convenience, but it alone cannot bring true wealth. It is a tool that can be used to enhance our lives and the lives of others, but it should not be the sole focus of our existence. When we prioritize money above all else, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: our relationships, our well-being, our children, our tranquility, and our contribution to the world.
5. Money can give us the means to pursue our dreams and aspirations, but it is the pursuit itself that brings true fulfillment, not the attainment of material wealth. The journey towards our goals, the challenges we overcome, and the memories we create along the way are what truly enrich our lives.
6. Everyone's success story, is different. Your success story cannot be the same with your neighbour, Ada's path to greatness will undoubtedly differ from yours, and your best friend's success narrative won't align precisely with yours. It's crucial to accept that, no matter how close we are to someone, life will present us with unique lessons, and blessings will guide us on our individual paths. Not just parents, but schools need to teach their kids that money is just one-third of life's achievement, and that true greatness transcends beyond money and affluence.
In conclusion, money may provide temporary comfort and convenience, but it is not the sole measure of wealth. True wealth lies in the intangible aspects of life: the love, happiness, purpose, and fulfillment that cannot be bought. It is important to recognize that money is a tool, but it does not define our worth or determine our happiness. Instead, let us focus on cultivating genuine connections, finding contentment, and pursuing meaningful experiences that bring lasting joy and fulfillment.
DISCLAIMER: Everything in this post is not a personal experience, but a product of my creativity.
My name is Sekinah Alawiye, also known as Sakeenah'writes. I am a certified and award-winning value-driven content writer, writing coach, teen coach, corporate compere, and skilled communicator.
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