Money. Those who do not have it, want it. Those who do, want more. This is a generally true statement across the board: From secular to religious, from famous to unknown, from rich to poor; transcending gender, age, location, and occupation. Why is money so important?

Maybe I don’t get it because it was never an issue as I was growing up. Granted, my parents surely weren’t millionaires, but we rarely sweated funds. As a side note, my father built his own business with the help from my mother, so we were essentially “new money“. But I didn’t have it that good. I mean, I did, but I was teased a lot and had major confidence issues back then so it feels like it almost evens out. I never asked for much, just small things here and there, within reason. To explain just how trustworthy with money I was (and still am, though I’ve moved on – I’m 27 and married now), my parents gave me my first credit card at 15 that I rarely used.

I resented some of the other attitudes from friends and neighbors surrounding me who were snobby and stuck up, even those who weren’t from well-to-do families. I guess it’s just the in thing. One of the girls who teased me the most in elementary school once remarked to my mom that she wished she lived in our house. So I guess that partially explains it. But why is money so important?

Perhaps it was never an issue so I didn’t crave it. Fast forward a few years later; I was thrilled to have my first car at 17, a brand new Grand Am Pontiac. By then, I had long disassociated myself with the stuck up money-centered crowd, the ones who just had to have the Beemers and the Lexuses. Those who would just die to be seen in anything less.

I can understand the evolutionary desire to have one’s basic needs met: food, clothing, shelter. But it doesn’t end there. To apply for most jobs, you need a phone and/or an email address, not to mention (in some cases) a degree! Oh yeah, and you better be dressed appropriately, too. Having a cell phone is barely a luxury these days. Some possessions are not only necessary but important; its the constant clamoring for bigger, better, and more that I don’t care for.

The fact that its rarely for oneself, but in an attempt to impress others, is shameful to me. Some people will claim they get their ‘morals’ from religious texts but seem to overlook their attachment to money. Yet, this behavior runs across the board, so I’m not pointing fingers at any one subset of individuals.

I just can’t bring myself to understand why money is so important to some. What’s the most important thing to me? Good health. Without it, all the money in the world will do nothing for you.

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This has affected me so much that I decided to rename my blog, though the URL will remain the same. There are many immoral aspects of major religions, but I no longer choose to focus on the negative aspects.

As a side note, I also threw in “Jewish” because I was raised reform Jewish. I still feel a huge connection to the Jewish race/heritage, community, and history.

I know, for a fact, I need some zen in my life. I was raised in a total OCD (as well as materialistic) habitat. Seeing it all around me for so long caused me “rebel” as they’ll say. But to me, it’s growing beyond.

Some call the Atheist movement the Second Enlightenment and that’s exactly what I am attempting to do: reach enlightenment. Any thoughts on Atheist Buddhism?

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Can’t you give your friend a gift when you actually see something that’s perfect for him/her? The rush for gift giving from November to December is something I proudly avoid. My boyfriend and I do not exchange gifts for more reasons than just we don’t celebrate. Why waste the money? Everything we make belongs to us; why waste it on some ugly necklace. If I want jewelry, I’ll buy it myself because no one really can know what I want at that moment. I would rather just buy something I really like. For many reasons, I haven’t worn diamonds for a while. (I do own some given to me from my parents who don’t seem to get it.) With the new press of Blood Diamond, people are not as confused when I explain to them of the slave labor. Never mind the fact that lab grown diamonds are always flawless, less expensive, and no one is hurt in the process. I’ve never been one in support of slavery, hence my issues with religion. In addition to the slave labor, my other biggest issue is the brainwashing diamonds companies have started… to combat feminism… perhaps? In many ways they have succeeded. But why? What makes a “natural” diamond so much better? Because this jeweler or that diamond company says so?

But I digress. I only mention diamonds specifically because of the onslaught of jewelry commercials I have seen this season. It’s quite annoying. Show her you love her with shiny things.

If I should receive a gift or know I will be, I will buy something to reciprocate, out of being kind. But I do not agree with the idea that we need to get a pile of gifts for the year to end right. Buy yourself what you want when you need it and encourage others’ to do the same.

Spread the cheer around the world all year. Live like Jesus. lol

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