A Life Lived well

Boundaries and Integrity

A Sanskrit Subhashita (a well-known saying) mentions this:

अभिमानधनं येषां चिरं जीवन्ति ते नराः ।

अभिमानविहीनानां किं धनेन किमायुषा ॥

abhimānadhanaṁ yeṣāṁ ciraṁ jīvanti te narāḥ |

abhimānavihīnānāṁ kiṁ dhanena kimāyuṣā ||

This means that: "Those who have the wealth of pride and self-esteem live a long life. For others who do not have self-esteem, of what use is wealth and long life?" 

We live in a world where our worth is determined by our net worth, our influencing power and other shallow things. We often forget a core principle - self esteem.

This Subhashita raises a simple question: If your net worth or any power that you have comes from sacrificing your principles, is it worth it?

Without self-esteem, wealth will always be a golden cage - the money can buy comfort but not peace. 

That is when a long life becomes a test of endurance, not a life spent well.

The Subhashita pairs Abhimaana - that is self-respect with wealth (dhanam).

So what does such a powerful concept like self-esteem comprise of?

1. Having powerful boundaries.

2. Refusal to dilute yourself to keep the peace or for validation.

3. Being true to what you are, regardless of whether the external world appreciates it or not.

So how does that happen? Simple. We change our perspective from accumulation to alignment.

1. Learn why you are compromising and decide whether it is worth it.

2. Protect your boundaries and 

3. Never forget your true worth.

So be true to yourself - the kind of life worth striving for.