While considering some investing options the other day I got to thinking about the word “investing” and what else we can invest in besides money. People will talk of investing time in something, such as a project, or in a person in the form of trust. While thinking about it I came up with three very important investments that have nothing to do with the stock market.
Health
This one has to be at the top of the list, because none of the others matter without it. I think one of the main reasons we neglect our health is because we live a day to day existence, while most of the major killers tend to creep up on us over time. If I smoke today and don’t have cancer tomorrow, why not keep smoking? I never see anyone drop dead while eating fast food, so pass the fries. Most of us adopt this view point to varying degrees, and sometimes it can be a hard battle to overcome it. But it’s worth the fight because your health will be the thing you miss the most if you lose it.
Relationships
I have found that most friendships come and go over the years, but there are a few that are almost permanent, the handful of your oldest, closest friends. The same can be true with families; as members grow older and new families are started some move away while others just grow distant, but there are always those few favorites you enjoy spending time with. For the friends and family that I have stayed close to there are three reciprocating elements that make the relationships special: the ability to listen, true empathy, and a good sense of humor.
Education
While this could certainly apply to graduating from high school and earning a college degree I think being a lifelong learner is a vital part of keeping us interested and engaged in life. Whether it’s an adult education class, online degree programs, a book on a new subject, an interesting website or a conversation with a friend or stranger there are so many opportunities around us to continue learning, which in turn can help us to better understand, and possibly improve, our surroundings and our own situations. There is no better time than now to Google “skydiving classes” or “how to speak Japanese.” You just might learn something.
Related Reading:
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Health
This one has to be at the top of the list, because none of the others matter without it. I think one of the main reasons we neglect our health is because we live a day to day existence, while most of the major killers tend to creep up on us over time. If I smoke today and don’t have cancer tomorrow, why not keep smoking? I never see anyone drop dead while eating fast food, so pass the fries. Most of us adopt this view point to varying degrees, and sometimes it can be a hard battle to overcome it. But it’s worth the fight because your health will be the thing you miss the most if you lose it.
Relationships
I have found that most friendships come and go over the years, but there are a few that are almost permanent, the handful of your oldest, closest friends. The same can be true with families; as members grow older and new families are started some move away while others just grow distant, but there are always those few favorites you enjoy spending time with. For the friends and family that I have stayed close to there are three reciprocating elements that make the relationships special: the ability to listen, true empathy, and a good sense of humor.
Education
While this could certainly apply to graduating from high school and earning a college degree I think being a lifelong learner is a vital part of keeping us interested and engaged in life. Whether it’s an adult education class, online degree programs, a book on a new subject, an interesting website or a conversation with a friend or stranger there are so many opportunities around us to continue learning, which in turn can help us to better understand, and possibly improve, our surroundings and our own situations. There is no better time than now to Google “skydiving classes” or “how to speak Japanese.” You just might learn something.
Related Reading:
How to Avoid Crisis Living
What Would You Do With an Extra 35 Hours a Week?
What We Leave Behind
These are all great points. I never realized how important other non-monetary investments are. But they say the best things in life are free. Investing in yourself is the best investment of all.
ReplyDeleteThe section about health is very true. And kicking a smoking or fast food habit won't only benefit you in the long run, but will also save you money!