Have you heard of the book titled “Who Will Cry When You Die?” by Robin Sharma? It’s a very good book, it offers profound insights and practical advice on leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. Sharma’s wisdom and guidance can inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes.
Why did I choose this title?
It’s because I’ve encountered many people who are driven by the pursuit of wealth and fame, and they become overly obsessed with money. They focus solely on how much they have, how much they can make, and how much they can save. This obsession blinds them to the point where they neglect their families, friends, and even themselves. They forget to truly live, consumed by the pursuit of money or fame. I am fortunate to have overcome this obsession early in life, thanks to the guidance of the BAPS Satsang that I follow.
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” —Socrates
Imagine a day when you find yourself at a funeral. As you walk in, you see a mix of genuine sorrow and insincere tears among the attendees. Approaching the front, you are stunned to see a picture of yourself adorned with a garland. This realization hits you hard: it’s your funeral. You are dead. In life, you dedicated yourself to earning money, always planning to enjoy it later. You dreamed of spending it on yourself, your loved ones, a new house for your family, a new bike for your son, or trips with friends. But now, those dreams are shattered. Death has taken away your chance to show love and care to those you cherished.
On your journey to accumulate wealth, you may have had conflicts and disagreements with many people. You planned to apologize later, to make peace with your brother or friend whom you had distanced yourself from for years. Now, it’s too late. The only legacy you leave behind is a negative image in their hearts. Your harshness and estrangement have defined your relationships. Some may attend your funeral, but their tears are fake, and their hearts harbor resentment.
Take some time aside and question yourselves –
1. Are you merely getting by or truly living your life?
2. How many apologies do you still owe?
3. Have you dedicated enough time and love to those dear to you?
4. How many unresolved conflicts do you need to address and make peace with?
5. Are you spending sufficient time with your children and family?
6. When did you last take a trip with your friends and family?
7. How many of your dreams, whether big or small, remain unfulfilled?
While financial success and personal goals are undoubtedly significant aspects of life, it is equally crucial to maintain a sense of balance and to immerse oneself in the authentic experiences of living before it becomes too late. Perhaps it is time to reevaluate your priorities and consider freeing yourselves from the relentless pursuit of wealth. After all, money is not the sole determinant of a meaningful life, and it is certainly not something we can take with us when we pass away. What will truly matter in the end is the quality of your experiences and the relationships we nurtured while we were alive.
It is important to cultivate kindness and gratitude towards everyone we encounter, regardless of their status or occupation. Whether it is your boss, a security guard, or a cab driver, each person deserves respect and appreciation. Ultimately, it will not be your bank accounts that mourn your departure, but the people whose lives we touched – your colleagues, friends, family, and even those we encounter in your daily routines.
Investing in your dreams and aspirations, as well as cherishing moments with loved ones, can bring profound fulfillment. Life is about more than just accumulating wealth, it is about creating memories, sharing joy, and fostering connections that will be remembered long after we are gone. So, let’s focus on living fully, both for ourselves and for those we care about, ensuring that your legacy is one of love and meaningful interactions rather than just material success.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” —Maya Angelou
What are you sacrificing in the pursuit of greater wealth?
1. Love
When I say “love,” I refer to the love within your family. However, when you become overly preoccupied with earning money, you may find yourself lacking time for your family. Consequently, minor misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate, nurturing feelings of bitterness and hatred among family members.
2. Life
For some people, life revolves around eating, working/earning, and sleeping. However, this isn’t truly living, as even street dogs experience a similar existence, except the earning. Real life is found in gratitude, pursuing hobbies, engaging in sports, traveling, reading, writing, embarking on adventures, and finally doing those things you’ve always wanted to do but have continuously postponed.
3. Social life
Ask yourself how many friends you had five years ago compared to now. Of those friendships, how many do you frequently meet with, talk to, or plan get-togethers? A social life provides emotional support, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of belonging. It promotes mental well-being, encourages personal growth through diverse interactions, and enhances happiness by creating meaningful connections and shared experiences.
4. Health
As age advances, health concerns like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and gastric diseases become prevalent. However, adopting a routine of daily exercise or yoga from a younger age can mitigate these risks, enabling individuals to maintain fitness and vitality well into their 50s and 60s.
5. Spirituality
Spirituality encompasses beliefs, practices, and experiences that seek to connect individuals with something greater than themselves. It can be expressed through religious faith, meditation, mindfulness, or a deep connection with nature. Spirituality often involves introspection, self-discovery, and the pursuit of transcendence beyond the material world.