Hi Peter,
I have thought about the amount of money I have lost in the past. While I do not have an exact estimate, I believe it to be between 150-300k. The exact amount doesn’t matter, but what does matter is that I understand that I was not meant to keep that money in my current state. I do not think about the “what ifs” because my destiny was not meant to have that money at that given time. I see it as a lesson about my own thinking and behaviors, and if you look at it as a life lesson for you individually, then I believe it is easier to swallow.
Money comes and goes. Poor become wealthy and wealthy become poor overnight. It happens all the time. It’s funny, I play the lottery on a regular basis, and I am actually thankful that I have not won in the past. I know if I did, those lessons would hurt a lot more. I am thankful for everything I have. I am thankful that I get to walk outside and see the beautiful day in the morning. I am thankful for my mom and my wonderful girlfriend. I am thankful for my health. I am also thankful for this forum and the people in it. Everyone is fighting their own battles, but we all have some common ground.
I actually had an inheritance of 50k last year, and I will say that money did not last long (not all to gambling, but a nice portion). It was from my grandma, and she was my world. Always supported me, always loved me. While I am a little frustrated about bad decisions with the money, I look at it as a lesson. I was not meant to have that money. Even if I did, I would trade it in a heart beat to have lunch with my grandma one more time.
The point is, once you set some goals and values for yourself, you start to appreciate things in life a little more. I was really bad with money, and a compulsive liar (it was easier to lie then tell the truth). I decided as a value, I was going to be true to myself. Every decision I make from now on, I do not act on impulse, but talk to myself and am honest. There is no reason to lie to myself. I think that is what a lot of the people on here have come to terms with. They are done fooling themselves and want change. That, to me, shows that they care about themselves, and they know they are good people. No one on here is bad. We have done dumb things in the past, but who hasn’t? Just know that your decisions and actions that you have made in the past is not a reflection of your true self. Your brain was high jacked, but your heart never left, which is why we’re here.
Final thought: money comes and goes. At the end of the day, it’s just numbers. You can earn back every cent you lost if you wanted to. I want to, and I am planning to. Life isn’t about making money, it’s about being grateful for things you have, and enjoying the experiences. If you try to make the world a better place, you are making the most of your time, and that is the most important thing to me. Take care
–Nick