Happiness isn’t the beginning or the end.
It’s the life in between—don’t chase the destination but chase the work that gets you there.
That is happiness
Memories Over Money: The Real Wealth in Loss
When we lose something expensive, it’s natural to feel a pang of regret. But true wealth lies not in monetary objects, which can come and go, but in the foundation of memories and experiences we build with the most precious currency we all possess: time. Unlike objects, time cannot be reclaimed once spent. What endures are the moments we create—vivid, irreplaceable experiences that we can revisit in our minds forever.
If a lost item, like a piece of jewelry, played a role in a cherished memory, its value transcends its price tag. That moment it helped create was worth every penny, and the item itself can be replaced. A new one can spark new memories, serving us in the season of life we’re in. To dwell on the loss or let it shift our emotions is futile—complaining won’t restore the item or undo the moment. Instead, consider the context: Was the loss a one-time accident, a human error born of inexperience? If so, it’s simply part of life’s imperfection.
A wiser lens is to ask: Is the person who lost or broke the item okay? Do they feel genuine remorse? If so, that’s enough. We are all human, and nothing is flawless. Emotional intelligence means recognizing that material things are fleeting, but the experiences they enable endure. Let go of the object, hold onto the memory, and keep creating new ones.
-Alvin Palacios