Growing up, I possessed all the qualities of a good friend: loyalty, sincerity, trustworthiness, compassion, and empathy. Yet, amidst these virtues, there was a peculiar habit that overshadowed them—I was prone to lying.
My tendency to fabricate stories was almost as remarkable as Pinocchio’s legendary nose. I spun tales with the fluency of a seasoned used-car salesman, sometimes even believing my own fabrications.
Let me share a story from my childhood about my friend Ryan during our fifth and sixth-grade years.
Ryan was remarkable not only for his wealth but also for his generosity, humility, and modesty. Being his friend at school was enjoyable, but visiting his house was where the real magic happened. Among the luxuries of his home, what truly captivated me was his collection of video game systems, especially the coveted Game Boy.
In my eyes, Ryan was a legend because of it.
Yet, there was an inherent inequality between us. My family couldn’t afford the gaming systems Ryan had, let alone a Game Boy. To bridge this gap, I resorted to lying. Picture Ryan and me playing video games at his house…
These lies became a desperate attempt to fit into his affluent world.
What complicated matters further was that Ryan didn’t fit the stereotype of the wealthy I had learned about. He was kind, generous, and humble, challenging the notion that wealth equated to arrogance and greed.
As I grew older and ventured into adulthood, this inclination to conform haunted me. Starting my health coaching business shed light on a prevalent refrain among potential clients: “I can’t afford it.”
Initially, it was comforting to know I wasn’t alone. Yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging question: why couldn’t we afford what was essential and reasonable?
A pivotal moment came through social media. Seeing posts from acquaintances who claimed they couldn’t afford services but flaunted extravagant vacations made me reassess my own situation.
I began examining my spending habits and priorities, questioning what truly mattered in the long run.
Are you finding yourself constantly saying “I can’t afford it”?
Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your priorities and consider what you genuinely desire for the future.
