CAMMIE BAGLEY
Living & Athens Editor

Though I may be young and inexperienced in many parts of life, one thing that I’ve become sure of in my short 21 years is that money isn’t everything.

Yes, it can give you status, buy you endless amounts of material things and open up big opportunities.

And, yes, it is important to have in terms of living comfortably and relieving financial stress.

But, ultimately, having money can’t guarantee someone happiness in the long run.

To begin with, there are countless people in this country and in developing countries who live below our society’s means yet are completely content with their lives.

Those who live off minimum wage or have to walk miles just for clean water tend to be more grateful than those who don’t, simply because they know how to appreciate the small things in life.

By saying that, I don’t mean that those who have made a successful life for themselves don’t appreciate anything. But, what I am saying is that the more money you have, the easier it is to forget that not everyone lives the way that you do.

When I was growing up, I never hurt for anything. But, I didn’t come from a wealthy family by any means, and I was taught to work hard for the things that I wanted.

I was never given an allowance just for following my parent’s rules, I didn’t get the latest technology just because my parents could afford it and I was expected to excel in school in order to earn a collegiate scholarship.

Throughout my life, I’ve watched my parents work hard to make an average living for our family, and I believe that I’m better for not being spoiled or growing up with money.

I was taught the value in saving money and being careful with what I spent. But, more importantly, I was taught the value in finding happiness outside of money.

Some people believe that if they don’t have a high-paying job and can’t live in a huge house with a nice car, their lives aren’t successful. But, success doesn’t have to be defined by monetary value.

Success and happiness can be found in places outside of your bank account, and it’s important to understand that.

Buying things can be fun for a moment, but, eventually, that new object won’t be new anymore- it will just be another pointless object.

And, more than that, money can’t give you a feeling of being loved or fulfilled.

There is an old Proverb that says, “If you want to feel rich, count the things you have that money can’t buy.”

In order to achieve a fulfilled and happy life, start with the realization that the things that are priceless are more important than what you can buy in a store.

Don’t let money guide you through life in hopes of finding satisfaction within your paycheck. Instead, find joy in the small things in life, because, ultimately, those are what will bring you lasting happiness.