Most of us need more. Some lucky few have enough. Then there are those people who have no concept of its value. Regardless of how much you have, don’t have, wish you had – money changes everything.When I was stripping, I made a decent amount of cash. It was fluid. I never worried much about having to pay for anything, but I also didn’t have any respect for money.
That was twenty years ago. It’s one of life’s little tricks; you never truly appreciate it when you have it – until you don’t.
Today I live paycheck to paycheck and I am still suffering the consequences of learning to respect the value of money.
We all have crossroads in our lives that make us use words like “should.”
I should have saved money when I was making more. I should have listened to my mother. You get the idea.
But here’s the thing. You can’t get time back, so what is the point dwelling on the past? Rather than scold ourselves for mistakes we make, let’s learn to applaud our good choices. Surely we have some of those too.
I am proud of myself for quitting a life of addiction and leaving the stripping life. Sure, I wish the money was still coming in the way it used to. But even though I earn less, I feel like I am worth so much more.
* * *
Christine Macdonald 
This comment has been removed by the author.
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I've heard it said that "Money doesn't change us. It only reveals who we really are."… This can be a blessing though, because we can't change what we are unaware of :)… Great Post btw!!
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I love the quote you used at the end of the post. Who is it?My financial situation is about to take a major dive so that I can pursue the kind of life I really want instead of continually running in this hampster wheel of a career. I am sure that the change will teach me a lot about not just money, but also about myself.
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Brooke, we are just going through that as my husband retrained (aged 40) and went to college for 3 years ie. not earning any money, just gaining a student loan! It has definitely changed his attitude towards money ;-)It is worth it though, if a change of life/career makes you happier!
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Money does alter things. It would be nice if it didn't. It affected me in a very dynamic way back in 2001. My now ex-wife decided I wasn't worth being with any more when I had to shut my company down. I was good enough when making lots of money though. So having it and losing it will change you.I wrote something about it: http://draganfly.blogspot.com/2010/08/money.html
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I applaud your honesty!! I too have learned to respect money ;)Congrats on the 'Blog Of Note'!!
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Money is a big problem for everyone at one point of time. No better way to ex plane it like you did. Good job on Blog Of Note
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I spent a few years struggling with debt. Difficult when you have 3 kids to take care of, and a wonderful, but fragile, partner. The future was painful to think about. The present was hard enough.I now have a job that pays better (thanks to training that I completed when I was in financial dire straits, under stress – so Juniper, don't worry, it does pay off in the end) and although I still have some debt, it's manageable. The future is now brighter.In the society we live in, having enough money can remove stress and allow you to live your life… not completely free, but with at least some degree of autonomy.Brooke, I like that quote as well.
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Yeah money has always been important and I am a big budgeter but lately I find myself splurging more on clothes and going out to eat. Something I really need to stop doing so much….
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Thank you for the lovely comments. I am happy I am not alone with the money thing. I truly appreciate your time and input. Thanks also for the Blog of Note congratulations. It's quite an honor and thrill. 🙂
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Hi, new follower here! Money does change things. I love the quote as well.If you have a few seconds, please stop by The Bucket Project and comment on any post letting us know one thing you want to do before you "kick the bucket". We would greatly appreciate any input you can give for our project.Thank you,Jessi @ http://bucketproject.blogspot.com
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Congratulations on being named a blog of note Christine. I like your writing style and the photos that you use in your posts. If you have a few minutes, you're welcome to visit my blogs.
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congrats on being a blog of note! Love the blog too. =)http://jenniferscavone.blogspot.comCiao!
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Wonderful post!I could tell stories…but, one day….
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make life not for moneybut make life good for othersIt is important
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Being unemployed/freelancing/living off of benefits actually made me worse when it came to my finances. Sure I saved more than before (don't even know how I was able to), but I was constantly late with payments and really stressed out about checking my balances for fear of seeing that amount. Now that I'm working full-time again, I have to regain those habits and work towards saving AND being more financially responsible.Congrats on being Blog of Note. How awesome!!
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Great post. I was raised with alot of money and always thought it would be there, so I had no drive. Then of course we lost all the money. That was the best thing that ever happened to me. Don't get me wrong, it sucked! For a long time. But looking back on how I was with money, I didn't appreciate anything. I wasn't a nice person. Now I appreciate everything. I strive to be a better person. Life gives you what you need to make you "better." Great post. You'll make it work.
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it's dangerous but …..it's life
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this was a very insightful post. thankyou. it made me think.http://1dollareveryday.wordpress.com/
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I don't known others, but saving money is my habit now.http://toonike.blogspot.com
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Great post. I definitely get where you're coming from. Every time I say that I should save a little money but end up not doing it. Then I realize its all gone and I have nothing really to show for it >_<
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Interesting blog. I came across it on blogs of note – congratulations!Check out my life in Malaysia at:www.duncaninkuantan.blogspot.com
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Id say the best thing to do with money is invest it in hobbies you love that can possibly bring income. Times a very valuable currency to have as well and spending money takes time.
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Great post. As you say, no use reflecting on what you should have done. It's all about what you've learned from that, and what you are going to do with that knowledge now. Congrats at being listed as a Blog of Note
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Great post. I have said all those should have's to myself. All we can do is move onwards + Upwards…
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According to an email today I am due a $27 million doallr inheritence. Who knew I was Nigerian, I thought I was Greek.Enjoyed your blog.Blessings,Ava
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I definitely learned the value of money…I always had jobs when I did not get paid much. I knew "Buying this bag is worth working a whole day at this shitty place". But I am still a student, jobs like these are normal then 🙂 but I still shouldn't spend so much money on cloths, hahabisous,mia
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Congrats on the Blog of Note!
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It must be nice to have a surplus of wealth that can be used to help others who have few resources.
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For the rational people, I think the money can only change the life quality. For the people of low cultural and intellectual level, the money is too much related with the life in general… Your opinion article is very interesting. Congratulations. Kisses.
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i was looking for my friend blog about how to get your ex boyfriend backand i bumt your blog. I read a few posts like your blog. i added your blog to favorites.
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Shoulda, coulda, woulda…If I second-guessed everything I did, I'd be crazier than I already am. I just try to learn from things and fuck up less the next time. :)TershbangoConfessions of a Recovering Cynichttp://tershbango.blogspot.com
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Congratulations!
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i here you, i wasted three years of my life …wish could've saved for those 3 years…but no point in dwelling in the past…you live and you learn.
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Yeah, money change everything alright. Not always in a good way. Peace
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this is real interesting and insightful. thanks for sharing! =)
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Terrific – and so true! I was just having these same thoughts this week as I made some tough financial decisions.
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Marlin Brando's character in "On the Waterfront" expressed such regrets.
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you have not to worry CHRIS…YOU DO NOT HAVE BUT WHAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU… SO TRUST IN GOD…
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