One of the most underrated skills in today's world is the ability to distinguish between wants and needs, which has become increasingly blurred in modern society. Americans, in particular, place a strong emphasis on material satisfaction and immediate gratification.
Every day, we are bombarded on social media with posts and ads by influencers living in amazing homes with their perfect families, embarking on incredible adventures, and presenting lives that seem superior to ours. Our expectations rise, and we're unwittingly caught up in lifestyle envy. This constant comparison to others erodes our ability to feel content.
But let's be honest: money doesn't matter—until it does. Life is a whole lot easier with a little cushion in your wallet. If there's one truth about life, it's an ever-changing, unpredictable journey. I have experienced both sides of the rich/poor divide.
People love to toss around the phrase "Money can't buy happiness" as if it comes from a wise old sage, but let's face it—have you ever seen someone genuinely happy living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, constantly worried about bills, rent, and how they'll get through the month? There is truth to the idea that money doesn't automatically bring happiness or else we'd all be adding it to our Amazon carts. Living paycheck to paycheck is exhausting. It's like running on a treadmill you can't get off. No matter how hard you work, you're always one unexpected expense away from drowning.
While having enough money doesn't guarantee happiness, it can offer freedom. The freedom to make choices, to live without constant fear, to pursue passions, and to take care of your health without going into debt
It gives you options, and with those options comes the ability to make decisions that improve your quality of life. Money might not directly buy happiness, but it sure opens the door to a less stressful, more fulfilling life. It gives you the freedom to find your happiness on your terms.
Money is green karma. It's the lifeblood that flows through society's veins. You can't pay your bills with motivation or feed your family with passion. The last time I checked, your bank wouldn't accept a heart full of dreams in place of a mortgage payment.
But there is so much that money cannot buy: time, love, true friendship, or inner peace. When people say "Money isn't everything," they often mean don't be greedy, But money is not the problem; it's how you use it that makes or breaks your life.
True happiness cannot be obtained through purchasing material possessions or experiences; it originates from within oneself and is nurtured through personal actions, relationships, and a positive mindset—none of which can be bought with money.
Happiness cannot be owned, earned, worn, consumed, or traveled to. It is the experience of living every minute consciously with gratitude. We are all human beings. We are born the same way, we die the same way, and we all hope to live happily in the time between.
The key to unlocking a deeper sense of satisfaction is to define what "enough" means to you. Ultimately, wealth should not be measured solely in monetary terms but rather in peace of mind. Real wealth lies in nurturing relationships, maintaining good health, and committing to ongoing personal development. At the end of the day, happiness isn’t something you buy; it’s something you create. And the best part? You don’t need to be rich to start.
Shrimp Pozole Verde
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds uncooked shrimp, tails and shell removed*
- 6 cups seafood stock
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked and halved
- 1 small white onion, quartered
- 1-2 poblano chiles—cored, seeded, and quartered
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and quartered (two will be very spicy)
- 4 large garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon Knorr Granulation Shrimp Bouillon (if using store-bought seafood stock)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- juice of a lime
- 3 15-ounce cans of hominy, drained
- Finely shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced radishes, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for serving.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add tomatillos, onion, poblanos, jalapeños, garlic, Knorr Granulation Shrimp Bouillon, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to a large Dutch oven. Pour in seafood stock (if the stock does not reach the top of the vegetables, add 1/2 of water (up to 1 1/2 cups) until covered. Cover and simmer over very low heat until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf and discard.
- Carefully combine the tomatillo mixture, chopped cilantro, and oregano in a blender. Pulse until coarsely chopped, scraping down the side. Add 1 cup of the cooking liquid and puree with the machine on until smooth.
- Pour the green sauce back into the Dutch Oven with the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the hominy and shrimp. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until shrimp just begins to turn pink and is cooked through. Serve the pozole in deep bowls with lettuce, radishes, cilantro, tortilla chips, and lime wedges at the table.
