assetbest 
This year has been challenging, marked by the passing of both my dad and mother-in-law. Thankfully, they lived long, fulfilling lives, and I believe they had few regrets. Nevertheless, losing loved ones prompts deep reflection on how we live our lives.
During a visit to my father-in-law, he invited my daughter and me to explore my mother-in-law’s old jewelry. I didn’t expect much, as I had only seen her wear her wedding ring. To my surprise, her jewelry drawer was brimming with costume pieces. When we explored another drawer, we discovered a valuable gemstone bracelet, a gold necklace, and several expensive rings, among other items.
I never saw her wear any of this jewelry in the decades I knew her, and my father-in-law also couldn’t recall her wearing it. At the airport on our way home, I expressed to my daughter how sad it was that she never enjoyed her beautiful jewelry. My daughter pointed out that perhaps it wasn’t a waste, suggesting that my mother-in-law might have derived pleasure from simply owning it. Just because I believed she missed out didn’t mean she didn’t find joy in it her own way.
My values are not universal, and I realize I was presumptuous in thinking my mother-in-law shared them. My in-laws lived a modest, middle-class life, finding joy in each other’s company, occasionally splurging for a play in New York. They spent their entire lives in the same apartment, with vacations being rare. Their main indulgences were eating out and watching weekly movies. Overall, they lived authentically, deeply in love for over sixty years, leading fulfilling lives. Their two sons, my husband and his brother, have both found their paths to success.
One of my mother-in-law’s habits was to save a portion of every paycheck. After reading my book, “How to Get Rich: Wealth Building Guide for the Financially Illiterate,” my father-in-law remarked that it contained familiar wisdom that could benefit those starting out or struggling. My in-laws embodied their values, focusing their spending on what truly mattered to them.
In many ways, my in-laws represented true wealth. They lived sensibly, saved wisely, and found joy in their lives. Going through a loved one’s belongings is a poignant reminder of our shared fate.
Ultimately, an excessive focus on material possessions and wealth holds little significance. All that we own, and the money we accumulate, ultimately holds no real value.
Take a moment to step outside of your routine. Embrace the pleasures and wealth that you already possess. What does your view look like from your window? Are you truly enjoying the belongings you have? Are your friends and family active participants in your life? You might be wealthier than you realize. Keep striving for a better future, but don’t forget to appreciate the present; you’ll never relive it.
