Learning to Lower Our Lifestyle for a More Peaceful Life

There is nothing shameful about choosing to scale down our lifestyle when the time calls for it. Living more simply is far better than living under the pressure of unnecessary debt. A simpler life brings peace of mind.

At first, it may feel uncomfortable—especially if we were once accustomed to comfort. But if we can train our hearts to lower our ego, God willing, we will be able to go through it.

We may not become wealthy, but our hearts will always feel content. And that sense of contentment is a sign that our sustenance is blessed. When our sustenance is blessed, all our needs will be sufficiently provided.

If in the past we drove luxury cars worth hundreds of millions, today commuting with a modest car such as an Axia, Bezza, or Saga is perfectly fine. Let people say what they want—after all, they are not the ones paying for our fuel every day.

On our shoulders rests the responsibility of providing for our family. As heads of households, it is our duty to ensure that our families have good and lawful food, and a decent place to live. We must also remember that our children will continue to grow, and their education will require significant financial preparation.

As human beings, it is only natural to have desires. It does not mean we do not want the latest electric vehicle; it is simply that sometimes, it is not yet the right time. There are many other priorities that must come first: children’s education savings, emergency funds, and retirement preparation.

My friends,

The cost of living continues to rise. However, what often becomes far more expensive and burdensome is the cost of maintaining a lifestyle. That is where many people become trapped.

Living in luxury is not wrong, as long as we can truly afford it. Spend your money as you wish—it is your right. What is wrong is forcing a luxurious lifestyle through debt until it suffocates you.

The biggest mistake is living beyond our means when we are not yet financially ready. When savings are still at the level of “just enough for today,” and even a six-month emergency fund has not been secured, then imitating the lifestyle of the well-established is clearly not a wise decision.

People in my hometown call it delay your gratification. Be patient for a while. Holding back on lifestyle spending does not mean forever—perhaps only for five or ten years. As the proverb says, “Endure hardship first, enjoy comfort later.”

Life is indeed tough. When we struggle, few people care. When we succeed, that is when many begin to gather around.

In the end, everything comes back to personal choice. I can only share a reminder. Whether to follow it or not is entirely up to each individual.

This is my reflection for this Friday. May it be beneficial.

Credits:
#MERZ
FB: Mohd Ezairol Rezan Zainol

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The United States and the Late Empire Syndrome: Towards Political Decay?

Image
Since its independence in 1776, the United States (US) has cultivated a political culture deeply rooted in the principle of "anti-monarchy." The establishment of institutions such as Congress and the Supreme Court was designed to ensure a system of checks and balances that would prevent the rise of authoritarian leadership. The historical context is clear—the US was founded through a struggle against British monarchical rule, with monarchy often associated with tyranny and oppression. The first US President, George Washington, rejected the suggestion of becoming a lifelong leader, despite his close associate, Alexander Hamilton, proposing a model resembling a king without a crown. By setting a precedent of serving only two terms, Washington reinforced a tradition that was respected for more than a century. However, Franklin D. Roosevelt broke this norm by serving four terms before Congress ultimately passed the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, limiting the presidency to...
Read more

Film Review: Final Destination: Bloodlines (8/10)

Image
While I am not an avid follower of the Final Destination franchise, Bloodlines managed to captivate my attention—and, more accurately, keep me on edge—from start to finish. Despite not fully grasping every detail of the storyline, I must acknowledge the film's impressive ability to deliver unexpected twists, chilling surprises, and creatively executed death sequences that remain true to the franchise’s legacy. The narrative centers around Stefanie, the protagonist whose life begins to unravel as she is increasingly haunted by recurring nightmares linked to her family’s past. The central premise is particularly compelling: death targets a bloodline that was never meant to exist. This concept breathes fresh life into the series and effectively sustains viewer curiosity. From its opening sequence, the film immerses the audience in intense suspense. Even something as innocuous as a coin is transformed into a source of trauma. What sets Bloodlines apart, however, is its well-balanced pa...
Read more

IS THERE STILL HOPE FOR TUPPERWARE?

Image
Recently, Tupperware filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many are wondering if this marks the end for a brand that has long been synonymous with high-quality food storage containers. The answer: not necessarily. Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy doesn’t mean a company is shutting down. Instead, it allows the company to restructure its operations and business model, giving it a chance to recover and compete again in the market. To better understand, let’s look at three major companies that successfully emerged from this crisis. 1. General Motors (GM) In 2009, GM was on the verge of collapse. However, after a significant restructuring, they bounced back by introducing new car models, including the Chevy Volt, which transformed the electric vehicle landscape. Today, GM has returned as one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, with an annual revenue of $48 billion. 2. Marvel Entertainment Marvel nearly went bankrupt in 1996, but they soon began releasing films like X-Men and Spider-Ma...
Read more