Not long ago I watched Bowling For Columbine again, and then shortly after I watched SICKo (both documentaries by Michal Moore). I read a few comments from the trailers of the SICKo movie and one of them really struck me (grammar not corrected): "I don't believe in democrats, liberals or whatever because it seem the priority of most of the countries around the world is money (stock markets, military, police states). I feel there should be new parties with human interests as a priority such as: health, food, compassion, shelter, happiness, love, co-operation.”
As I said, this really struck a chord. We've all heard the prophecy before - that money won't make you happy - but we all spend most of our lives, time, energy and focus on obtaining it. Individuals and governments alike.
Whilst I was away on my honeymoon I began to experience a kind of inner peace, happiness and understanding that I have never had before. I got it by reading and finding comfort in the words of wise men: Seneca, Marcus Aurelius. I now know I have a decision - and the subsequent actions - to make. I can continue to pursue money as a means to getting me to a place where I am happy. Or I can go the other way and pursue happiness and contentment in simplicity, friends... nothing but my own time and thoughts.
I have a voice deep down inside me somewhere telling me that if I take the former, I'll keep chasing the next pay rise, thinking it will be enough, but that chase will lead me to my deathbed having missed all the good bits in life. The blinkers for money I wear will prevent me from feeling happy, alive, at one with myself.
You're at the crossroads. Pursue the career, the extra time at work and travelling to different countries and talking about stuff that doesn't interest you one iota. Or take the other path. The path less travelled. The path in which you work less, where you have more time to spend with your family, with your friends, with your community - with yourself and your thoughts.
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