You never know

You never know someone else’s financial situation. This quiet mantra has soothed hundreds of jealousies in my own mind. 

Seeing people buy new homes, drive nice cars, and wear cool clothes can be a trigger of envy and insecurity. “Am I not earning enough? Am I falling behind?” Then I remind myself: you never know someone else’s financial situation. 

Maybe their family members helped with their down payment. Good for them. I hope to be able to help a family member with a down payment someday. Maybe they’re wearing that, but swimming in credit card debt. Bummer for them. Maybe they’re driving that car but can’t leave their job to chase their dreams because they have no margin. I wouldn’t trade my situation for that. 

The truth is, I don’t know. I only know my own situation, and I know that I must learn to be content with what I have. Contentedness is its own journey for everyone at every income level.