The things that money just can't buy

I began thinking long and hard about what I have in my life that really matters to me. I was talking to a frenz a few months ago and he said that time after time, the things people run back into a blazing house for are not valuable (as far as other people are concerned). It's not the big-screen TV or the gold Rolex. No, it's the family photo albums, the teddy bear granny gave you 30 years ago, or the love letters from your sweetheart who is now your loving partner.

So really, what are the things in life that truly matter? What is it that we're all searching for, and that no amount of money can buy? I think I have a list. It may not be the list you would attribute to yourself, it may not even be complete as far as you're concerned. But I think most of us would like the things contained within my list. And there's not a shiny Porsche or a 4000 sq ft house anywhere on it.

Love
I would be a fool not to put it first. I think at the end of the day, no amount of money and 'stuff' can fill the void left by a lack of real love. Let's be clear, I'm not talking about the kind of love you can get by flashing your BMW key fob at a bar in the hopes of trading money for a soul-mate (who'll leave you as soon as the money runs out). It's the love you get from your partner, when you look into his or her eyes and feel whole, safe and secure. It's the love of your child, hugging you for dear life and begging you not to go to work today. It's love that comes with no strings. Unconditional. Rich or poor. Good times and bad. If I were to measure my wealth by the love I get from my wife, my daughters and my close family.

Respect
Once again, as with many things on this list, you can buy a version of respect. Of course you can. The fawning that store-owners will do around wealthy people (remember the Pretty Woman scene?) could be taken as respect. Or the suck-ups in the office who'll do anything to get the attention of the big boss; that could also be considered as respect. But is it? It's a simple solve. Take away the money and power and is the respect still there? Sometimes it is. I've had some great bosses, with amazing hearts and awe-inspiring values. Rich or poor, I'd be tipping my head with respect. I've also had complete egotistical maniac bosses, surrounded by people with venom in their eyes and hate filling their souls. Take the power and money away from my last boss and there'd be people waiting in line to kick this guy where it hurts. Respect has to be earned, not bought. You actions define it, and your history with people is key. Be honest, be true, and treat others as you yourself would like to be treated. Be fair, be kind, be strong, be thoughtful and be inspiring. Respect will follow, whether you've got rm6 billion in the bank, or rm60.

Friendship
I was once told that the friends you keep are a good indication of what kind of person you are. I took a look at my close circle of friends, and I was quite happy with what I saw. Funny, honest, caring, genuine people. The kind of people that make you happy to go to work every day. The folks that would give you their last dime if you needed it. Every one of them is a great person with a kind heart. If you want, you can buy friendships as easily as you can buy a new suit. But those kind of friends will not stick by you through bad times. Most won't even stay through mediocre times. So, take a look at the people who really mean the world to you. Think of the people you'd want by you when times are a little rough. You'll see that those kind of friends are absolutely priceless.

Forgiveness
I'm talking about true forgiveness here, not the kind you get for muttering a half-hearted apology under your breath (while giving a cheap gift you picked up at the drug store). Real forgiveness for something bad you've done can't be bought. You can't bribe someone to forget the past. I doubt even Donald Trump, with all his supposed billions, could buy the forgiveness of anyone he's truly wounded deeply. The only way to get it, if you're going to get it at all, is by earning it. By proving that you not only feel genuinely bad about what you did, but also that their forgiveness means everything to you. Try handing over 10,000 and saying "hey, I'm sorry I slept with your best friend and your mom...at the same time."


p/s : FRENZ.... , remember THAT!!! MONEY CANT BUY EVERYTHING...