So well said. We’ve built a culture that confuses momentum with meaning, where doing more is mistaken for being more. But no job title or trophy shelf can offer what presence, connection, and quiet contentment can. The more we tie our worth to achievement, the harder it becomes to just be.
The challenge now is teaching young people that life shouldn't be performed but lived. Maybe we all need a little less hustle, and a little more soulful success and quiet joy in our lives. Thanks for backing it with research, it gives a much clearer picture!
So much of what you said is true, Suzanne. The pursuit of wealth as the goal of life was a terrible idea. Yet, earning a living, especially for men, helps them flourish emotionally and spiritually. The money is a 'certificate of appreciation' that lets them know they are doing something for others. Producing and earning should not compete with the other areas of life (the five areas being Family, Finance, Fitness (our bodies), Faith, and Friendships). These should all complete, not compete, with each other. Single-mindedly pursuing wealth isn't the right mindset, but being a productive human being is important and money is part of that.
My eldest son, who is 24 yo, is currently struggling to find his path — money or lifestyle. Having an “absent father” hasn’t helped. He is lost! He doesn’t know “what to do” in life. He wants to marry and have kids BUT he doesn’t know how to best navigate creating the means to support this dream. Chasing the money will take him on the road and away from home. The School System only taught him how to be a “good obedient citizen” rather than have the courage to be curious, to create and how to effectively communicate. Ugh. I feel powerless to help him as I’m “just mom”. This growth is only something that can be taught by wise males initiating the younger which no longer happens in our culture like when boys worked along side other men “in the field”.
So well said. We’ve built a culture that confuses momentum with meaning, where doing more is mistaken for being more. But no job title or trophy shelf can offer what presence, connection, and quiet contentment can. The more we tie our worth to achievement, the harder it becomes to just be.
The challenge now is teaching young people that life shouldn't be performed but lived. Maybe we all need a little less hustle, and a little more soulful success and quiet joy in our lives. Thanks for backing it with research, it gives a much clearer picture!
So much of what you said is true, Suzanne. The pursuit of wealth as the goal of life was a terrible idea. Yet, earning a living, especially for men, helps them flourish emotionally and spiritually. The money is a 'certificate of appreciation' that lets them know they are doing something for others. Producing and earning should not compete with the other areas of life (the five areas being Family, Finance, Fitness (our bodies), Faith, and Friendships). These should all complete, not compete, with each other. Single-mindedly pursuing wealth isn't the right mindset, but being a productive human being is important and money is part of that.
My eldest son, who is 24 yo, is currently struggling to find his path — money or lifestyle. Having an “absent father” hasn’t helped. He is lost! He doesn’t know “what to do” in life. He wants to marry and have kids BUT he doesn’t know how to best navigate creating the means to support this dream. Chasing the money will take him on the road and away from home. The School System only taught him how to be a “good obedient citizen” rather than have the courage to be curious, to create and how to effectively communicate. Ugh. I feel powerless to help him as I’m “just mom”. This growth is only something that can be taught by wise males initiating the younger which no longer happens in our culture like when boys worked along side other men “in the field”.
Wise words!