“The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money.” – Thomas Jefferson
- A good friend.
- A committed spouse.
- A respectful child.
- A loving hug.
- A friendly neighbor.
- Health.
- Laughter.
- Integrity.
- A peaceful soul.
- Self-confidence.
- Contentment.
- Significance.
- Humility.
- Freedom.
- Reputation.
- Faith.
- Influence.
- Self-discipline.
- A clear conscience.
- Overcoming a fear.
- Conviction of purpose.
- Opportunity to change.
- Life-changing art.
- A fulfilling career.
- No regret.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing List. I was going to add that I would never trade time with people I love for money, but I have been doing that forever. So glad I am making changes.
Trading for money doesn’t just mean physically handing over cash, but spending time working for money as well.
Thanks for making things crystal clear.
Have a great weekend,
Courtney
My family and my self-respect.
I agree, but don’t think these things and money are mutually exclusive. Why impose an implied dichotomy when there isn’t one?
Money can help you have influence and opportunity to change, among others on the list.
I don’t think any of these items are mutually exclusive either, Rachel.
I’m just saying I value each of them more than money.
I agree with you Rachel, money can help in certain circumstances.
However, we have to be sure that we focus on the essential, on what makes us happy more than the money itself and its perceived power.
That’s why the list is cleverly entitled “25 things I’d never trade for money” and not “25 things money can’t buy”.
I like the list. I think the last one might be the best. No regrets. I don’t know many people who can personally say they have no regrets. Heck, even have only a few regrets.
I love the list, but I think I would value a “courageous child” and possibly some other traits before respect. Unless we’re going to get specific about what we’re respecting… :-)
Hi Jess. I am wondering exactly what exactly do you mean by a “courageous child?” Do you mean a child who is somewhat a rebel or a child who faces their fears — even facing the disapproval of others?
Hi Reggie,
Both of those definitions are pretty similar :-) and yes, along those lines. I think that “the courage to be yourself” describes it pretty well.
Jess
Why do you need an adjective before child? Would you sell it if the child is something else than respectful?
Didn’t work very well for Oliver Twist :-)
Great list.
I think number one for me would be freedom. I have become quite extreme about freedom lately, and don’t want to give away even the slightest bit of my personal freedom. I’d rather be poor but completely free than rich without freedom. :)
I’d have to say health is most important to me right now. I let a job and the stress that accompanied it steal my health. I am now on a journey to gain it back. Trying to determine what things I DO want to focus my life on right now. The money was great, but working 70-80 hours a week and burning out wasn’t worth it at all.
http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/07/28/self-care-is-not-self-ish/
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