Money Will Buy a Dog, But Won't Buy The Wag of His Tail

'Tis the season to be jolly, but 'tis also the time of year when many people are faced with financial crises and find themselves flat broke. The Holidays are jam packed with food, family, friends, and frustrations.

We may want a pet for our children, but what they need is to learn the lessons a pet can teach.

We desire to be, have, and buy all that will make our loved ones and ourselves happy, but we are usually long on want lists and short on cash. It is easy to fall prey to the seduction of buying on unlimited credit but difficult to face the unrelenting bills long after the momentary joy is gone.

We Are More Than What We Have or Do

Often we subconsciously relate our worth to the world in terms of incomes, nice cars, or brand name clothing. Our inner feelings on how we earn, save and even handle money are connected to our self-esteem.

We judge ourselves at our worst and others at their best. We assume that somehow they have the "secret" of making everyone satisfied and grateful for their gifts and throwing lavish parties without breaking a sweat or a fingernail.
However, in reality, our worth as individuals is not tied to how much, how big or how many. Our worth is intrinsically tied to our ability to share our spiritual gifts. The truth is, money doesn't buy happiness. Money can buy the dog, but only time, love, kindness and patience can make him wag his tail.

We are so much more than what we have or what we do. If not, who are we when we no longer do or have?

We will all be Broke at Some Time in Our Life

Everyone experiences periods of emptiness in his or her existence, sometimes more than once. That episode may take place in the confines of a bank account, but could just as easily occur in our health, spiritual lives, or relationships.

Look at our neighbors who have gone through the horrific hurricanes, floods and forest fires the last few years. Many are mourning the loss of family, possessions and livelihoods. The devastation was non-discriminating. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. After a blow like this, it will take time to recover, financially and emotionally.

Some people bounce back quickly while others will never be able to overcome the trauma and move on with life. They will be stuck in a rut of victim hood and will stay there until it feels comfortable and becomes a new way of life.

Give Gifts of the Heart and Tails Will Wag and Faces Will Smile

Promise me you will not go further into debt trying to buy happiness for yourself or others. Happiness can never be bought, but it can be freely given and shared.

I challenge you to find gifts of the heart to contribute to others. You will find that you will be glad you did. And so will they.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Judy H. Wright is an author and parent educator in Missoula, MT. To download additional articles and to sign up for her free ezine The Artichoke-finding the heart of the story in the journey of life please go to the website www.ArtichokePress.com .To book Judy for a speaking engagement, www.ArtichokePress.com/workshops

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