The Starting Line
Money is often seen as a goal, an end in itself. We hustle, we grind, we chase it—yet many of us fail to ask ourselves: what really is money? For some, it’s freedom. For others, it’s security. But at its core, money is simply a tool—a symbol, a placeholder for value that we’ve all collectively agreed upon. It has no inherent meaning; it is only what we make of it.
The Path
While standing on the rooftop of my new apartment, I watched a video. It was a comedy short featuring two aliens talking to humans about being ready for the future. They laughed when they heard that people believe in money. That moment resonated with me. Money is just paper. It’s online numbers. It’s energy. It’s belief. It’s a story that only holds power because we all believe in it. Sometimes, we don’t even have to consciously believe in it, but our actions and the way we live our lives show that we do.
Money comes, and money goes, and its true power is in what it enables us to do—or to be.
Money has the power to amplify who we are. If you’re already generous, having more money will make you more giving. If you’re fearful, money can amplify that anxiety. It’s an enabler of our nature. For me, the pursuit of money isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about creating opportunities, experiences, and moments that make life richer. Not in the sense of luxury, but in the sense of connection, impact, and freedom.
We live in a world that often equates self-worth with net worth. We let money define our value, our social status, our place in the world. But what if we flipped that script? What if money was simply a byproduct of following our purpose? What if we treated it as a way to fuel our growth, rather than an end goal?
The Finish Line
Money isn’t evil, nor is it inherently good. It’s neutral. What matters is the intention behind it. Instead of chasing money for its own sake, let it chase you. Pursue meaning, create value, serve others, and watch as money follows. Let money be the fuel for your journey, not the destination.
Remember: life isn’t about how much you have, but how much you live. Spend wisely, invest in what matters—your growth, your connections, your passions—and keep walking.
Stay grounded, stay purposeful.
Peace be the journey,
-Ace
One Way Grit 