Man Made the Money...Money Never Made the Man

I sit back and contemplate how selfish the entire human race can be at times....myself included, and I wonder what it is that makes some of us so self-centered, "stingy" and subsequently, even envious at times.  Is it because times are hard and we don't know where our next meal is coming from? Okay, I can buy that for some people, but for most, it's probably not the case. You "have," but for some odd reason, just don't feel you have enough. Is it because we think that by giving, somehow the other person will be "one up" on us.....meaning, if I give you XXX (fill in the blank) you will somehow be better off than me, and that's something you just can't stomach? Hmmm.....unfortunately I sometimes feel that this may be the case. After all, we know for lots of people, they just can't stand the fact that again, someone is better off than they are, and that transcends to many facets of life, not just the financial ones. Substantiating this, I have had relatives~ yes relatives, and you know who you are, look at me up and down and sideways, talking behind my back, all because of some "fantasy life" you've conjured me up as having. I say fantasy because you fail to see and probably don't care to see the full picture. You see me laughing, dining, sharing my life with my friends...living my days to the fullest, like the money never ends or as one of my good friends called it "The Oprah Syndrome". What you don't get is the notion that "I made the money and pray to never let it make me." For over 10 years, I too was just another girl on the IRT. Known in NYC as the Interborough Rapid Transit System, weaving in and out of the triborough area faster than my dreams could ever materialize. Not a trust fund baby or born with a "silver spoon" although Ricky Shroeder did play a fulfilling role in my pre-pubescent life. Hustle and flowing like the "next one," hoping this ride would bring me back the money please. Gotta love Jay Z! And all of this to see my way out and forge a better life for those that come after, my girls included-well, the ones who really got my back. And "everybody knows", I usually don't think twice about sharing my blessings, but if you have to think twice, you probably shouldn't think once.

As Maxwell sang in his velvety voice, I want to encourage my girls that care enough to grow, to "open your eyes and see what's in front of your face." Enjoy the fruits of your labor down to the pits and the seeds and be willing to share your fruit with others. Looking at one another sideways will never enable you to see the blessings coming head-on in your direction. And last but not least, like the MAC that you wear, know that money will never make you who you are, it will only enhance what is already there.