The Best Things in Life Are Free
Love your spouse, children, family, partner, friends, the beauty of nature and more.
Bing Crosby for Old Codgers like me:
And for a younger generation: Luther Vandross:
The best things in life can't be bought and are free.
This is a common saying, sometimes considered a cliché, but upon closer inspection, it proves true over time, money, and experience. Many cherished things in our lives have no cost. They are free, yet hard to obtain. They require effort, time, and sometimes a bit of luck.
Take love as an example. One cannot purchase genuine affection or loyalty, regardless of wealth. True love cannot be rented or bought; it must be earned, felt, and valued. Whether from a partner, a child, a friend, or a pet, love offers warmth that money cannot provide. A billionaire in a mansion might wish to trade everything for one friend to share moments with. Those who experience true love, including the love of our friends, children, and family, know that it's priceless and cannot be replaced. I have known this well since losing my wife.
Another thing money cannot buy. While wealth provides luxuries that ease daily life, it does not lengthen our days. Time with loved ones is immensely valuable, often slipping away before we appreciate it.
A peaceful afternoon with an old friend, a stroll with your dog, or a heartfelt chat with a grandchild are the moments that ask for nothing but our presence. No money can buy more hours in a day or extra moments with someone who has passed. The true wealth lies in understanding our time is limited, prompting us to foster connections and create memories.
Health is also invaluable. While wealth can help pay for treatments and promote a healthy lifestyle, it cannot guarantee true well-being—feeling fit, balanced, and at rest in our bodies. Those suffering from serious illnesses often express a willingness to trade anything for health, to live pain-free, if only for one more day of wellness. Money defines its limits here: it can purchase treatment, not well-being. Enjoying the simple pleasures of walking steadily, feeling sand between your toes, and embracing a loved one are joys many take for granted until lost.
Happiness, too, is elusive. Many spend money in hopes of achieving happiness, acquiring items they believe will satisfy their inner cravings. A new device, an upscale car, or a larger house may provide short-term satisfaction but rarely result in lasting joy.
True happiness is usually found in simple pleasures:
Being at peace with oneself.
Appreciating what one has.
Deriving purpose from helping others.
It's in sharing laughs with friends, enjoying a sunset, or feeling content.
Moreover, meaningful friendships and strong family ties are among life's irreplaceable treasures. True friends support you through thick and thin; they know your flaws and remain by your side. Genuine care cannot be bought, whether it's a call to check in or support during tough times. Likewise, the family provides a unique connection and shared history that no other relationship can replicate. These ties offer roots, a sense of belonging, and a rich history that wealth cannot substitute.
And then there is wisdom. Wisdom arises from life experiences, self-reflection, and understanding. It includes satisfaction after overcoming a challenge, peace from self-acceptance, and the strength gained from setbacks. Strength, kindness, and resilience are earned, not bought, and enrich our lives in ways material goods cannot.
