The World of Angy Wong

I recently came across a blog that seemed to emphasize that the foundation of the blogger’s happiness is based on her net-worth. It also appears that her whole family has the same mentality though they did attempt to mask that superficial reasoning with the fact that it’s due to their positive thinking that have led them to have a great net-worth which in turn made them happy. Yet, I have a feeling that if they did not think so highly of their monetary value, they would not be as “happy” as they are. One of them even called his wife’s siblings “mediocre” on the basis that they do not have a substantial net-worth.

Reading the entry, I felt infuriated as I could see myself being categorized as “mediocre” in their eyes. Yet, I try to tell myself that their opinions really do not matter as I barely know them. This led to me thinking about the basis of how I value myself? How do I measure myself self-worth? What are the factors that make me feel like I’m a happy and fulfilled person? Is it money? Material goods? Friends? Love? Respect from others?

I think when it comes down to it, I value myself because I know that I’m a good person. I try to do what’s right in terms of my relationships with my friends and family.  I am extremely protective of my family and friends and I constantly work hard to maintain these relationships. Ultimately, my joys are only realized when people I care about can share in on them.

I also want to better the world and contribute to society. I do not dream of being a self-made millionaire nor do I want to be a person that places too much value on material items. Depending on money or things to make you happy is a recipe for disaster because there’s always going to be a part of you that is not quite fulfilled. There will always be newer items, more expensive things, and before you know it, you’re caught up with always wanting more. I make a conscious decision to not fall into that mindset because I do not want to live a life where I know I’m not entirely happy with life because there is still a lot more I can acquire. I want to know that when I die, I spent my time making a difference in people’s lives especially those who are less fortunate than I am rather than focusing on acquiring a net-worth and deluding myself that money is all that really matters and is the only factor in measuring success. Perhaps I’m idealistic and I haven’t suffered enough poverty, but from my own life experiences, I learnd early on that yes, money can help make a situation better but money does not necessarily make a person feel fulfilled.