Dating : If Money Weren’t an Issue

This article is a late response to Carole P. Roman’s challenge. I was challenged to reflect on how I would live my life if money were not an issue.

When initially given this task, I felt it would be a quick, natural response. However, as I began to compose my answer, I found it was not as clear as I initially anticipated. Some responses came to mind instantly — I would pay off my debt, give to those in need, and travel. But then a question began to dig at my core. What would I be giving up if money were not an issue? I understand I am thinking far too deep into this question and turning a fun response into something it was never meant to be, but I could not help but wonder.

Starting from a young age, my parents set up a reward system to teach us responsibility. We had the usual chores we were expected to do as part of the family, but we could do tasks that went above and beyond for money. I would save this money and work toward purchasing a particular item. Working for what I received made me appreciate the item and gave me a sense of accomplishment. Although the “special items” changed as I grew, this concept remains true to this day.

Need for money results in need for work. I love working. Sure it is stressful at times, but I have met incredible people through my work, many of which I am proud to call my friends. Working as a speech-language pathologist, I cannot begin to describe the feeling of helping a child communicate with their family, the joy of giving someone their first bite of solid food after weeks of not eating, and helping someone with expressive aphasia following a stroke tell their spouse once again that they love them. As a writer and author, I have found a “family” of author friends that bring more joy to the writing process than writing itself.

In marriage and with children, having money took on a whole new meaning. Finances are one of the most significant challenges to any marriage. A couple needs to learn to work as one to make and distribute funds. Financial troubles have been known to strengthen and destroy marriages, so a couple’s goal for finances must, to a degree, synchronize for success. My husband and I have experienced meaningful conversations related to money. In these instances, we have had the opportunity to deepen our trust in each other.

With children, money took on a whole new meaning. Working for financial goals for myself was one thing, but working to support someone else brought on a new sense of purpose. While I understand providing financial support for children is not as important as attention and love, it is still a part of the larger picture for me.

In conclusion, I do wish money were not an issue at times. I wish I were able to spend more time away from work and with my kids. I wish I were able to be debt-free. I wish I were able to spend more time seeing the world. I wish I were able to support those in need to a greater degree. However, I do not regret the value in life that money has taught me throughout my journey.