This world we live in has become so money hungry. Granted, money is needed to pay the bills and buy food and essentials. You need money to provide you with the comforts of life. But you need to realize that once that money is spent, it it gone and you have to make more. So you need to spend it wisely in the first place, and not be too materialistic. What you buy today is going to be out of date in a couple of months. It is that keeping up with the “Jones” thing that drives me nuts with people.

So what is it that should drive us in life, if it’s not money?

Making an Impression – with Money?

Personal value cannot be measured by the size of your wallet. I have an anecdote for you: one thing I am proud of pointing out to my guy friends is not to get caught up in the blowing your money on a girl thing. Too many guys do this because too many girls expect it. As a guy dealing with girls, common sense will tell you: the direct approach is the best.

I have seen too much of this from girls who go out with little money expecting men will buy them drinks. This should not be a free ride and I am saying this from a woman’s perspective. Many women do this – so what, I told my male friends. Get to know her well enough to ask her directly if she could see them building up a relationship before he starts spending money on her. Writing this now makes me feel cold but I know my guy friends took it to heart and appreciated the advice.

Helping others

I really think an overhaul is necessary in the world today, starting with health care, then more benefits for the elderly and children. What can I say here? I value the wisdom of the elderly and the incense of children.

It bothers me that I haven’t volunteered as much in recent years as I have earlier. On a couple occasions, I did at a hospital and nursing home. The time spent is cherished. I love people and you can learn so much from each person you meet, at any age.

Education and Advertising

I think every school should have a nurse come in and educate both genders about having unprotected sex, and the alternatives that are available. Not promoting sex, but educating teens on what parents haven’t been able to express to them. The thing is television, radio and society has already inflicted sex, drugs and alcohol content in one way or another on the kids, so why not make such crucial information come from a trusted source as well.

The schools need a wider selection of criteria that kids can actually take something away from, being prepared to make a decision as an adult. Education is very important to me. Yet I do believe you can be self educated if you are motivated. College is expensive, not everyone has the means to pay for an education there; but that should not stop them from learning. Books are available and life is a never ending learning experience anyway. Every day, someone is coming up with new ideas; if you don’t read, you won’t be on top of your game. One should never think that the last day he has to pick up a book is when he gradates high school or collage.

Travel is the best education. It is a very valuable privilege. Your whole minset changes when you go on a vacation to a new country. The best advice I can give you is don’t plan a solid agenda, but remain flexible.

On a rather unrelated, but practical side note: if you are driving in a foreign country, be aware of the speed limits! Many countries in Europe don’t post road signs that Americans are used to seeing. There is a nation-wide top limit that you have to know. Carry extra cash with you just in case you get pulled over by the police, because they usually ask you to pay your fine on the spot (especially in Austria).

Back to the issue on hand now.

The Value of Truth and Honesty

A lie at any age is going to come back and kick you in the butt. You have to have the courage to tell the truth, and take the risk of the consequences. A lie always hurts more than the truth.

The Value of Passion

Passion for life is more than appreciation for your career and lifestyle. It is respecting all the beauty many of us take for granted. It isn’t always getting a new client or buying a new car, knowing you are going to get a tax credit at the end of the year on your purchase. Passion for life is being grateful for each and every experience you have, good or bad. Knowing you have learned from it.

The Value of Loyalty

Loyalty is very important in the mainstream of life. It ripples into every action and is appreciated by everyone who comes into your life, no matter how long or short the visit is.

And finally: Love Yourself

You need to love yourself in order to be happy and love others unconditionally. When you respect yourself, others will respect you more. Take care of your body and your mind will be free of stress and aggression. This allows you to have better judgment, and live your life to the better as a whole.

This is my take on value – to me, it’s really that simple. What do you think?