Our relationship with wealth can be reminiscent of a child’s impulsive desire: “I want it now, even if I’m not sure what it is.” But when we do acquire wealth, it’s like a child with a new toy – the novelty wears off quickly.

Wealth makes us feel guilty. I’ve got it, but others haven’t.

You see the paradox of wealth in two powerful emotions: greed (or envy) and fear. You want it when you don’t have it, and you become scared you will lose it when you do.

The spiritual paradox of wealth

Wealth is a thorn in the side of the faithful of many religions. How do you reconcile the camel passing through the eye of a needle with the advocates of the “prosperity gospels” who read “wealth is good” in their sacred canons?

Do you really need to be wealthy? Mother Theresa of Calcutta set up her mission to serve people beyond the margin even though she started with no income and had to beg for food and supplies.

Mother Theresa was an exception, and her strength, perseverance and self-imposed poverty are uncommon.

Wealth is acceptable – if…

In my humble opinion, wealth is acceptable as long as:

1. Your wisdom, strength, health, skills, values, relationships, joie de vivre, and more make up your wealth, not just your money. (The word wealth stems from the Middle English word welthe, reputedly referring to “well health”.)
2. Your wealth does not become a proxy for your ego; you develop humility and compassion alongside your wealth.
3. You use your wealth to benefit others, which gives meaning to your life and wealth.

The virtuous circle of wealth, impact, and meaning can become a fundamental life cycle, and wealth is an essential component, so don’t be afraid of it.

The virtuous circle of wealth, impact and meaning

Photo attribution

Photo by Tom Parsons on Unsplash

Audio link

https://audio.com/jeremy_deedes/paradox-of-wealth/

Related posts

https://wordsnotdeeds.co.uk/circles/

ABOUT

I work with ambitious, family-oriented professionals transitioning to independent consultants to create a 3 to 5-year holistic plan so that they grow wealthy, make a difference and find meaning.

My clients are aged 35-50. They are in a long-term relationship with family and parents who are supportive but ageing. They wrestle with personal and financial responsibilities and dream of more control, wealth, time and purpose.

If this excites you, you are coachable, willing to change, and want to stop going around in circles, then find out more at jeremydeedes.com

Then, take your next step and explore your way forward with a Mapmaker, a one-off online coaching gig to help you decide your options, assess our compatibility, and determine whether we are the right fit. Mapmaker is excellent value, held in confidence and without further commitment.

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Your views are important, and your fellow readers would love to hear your opinion, so share your thoughts in the comments box below, and thank you for your time and generosity.