Yesterday I had one of those small but eye-opening moments. I ordered my usual Starbucks online, and the bill came to around 23 Malaysia Ringgit including the delivery. Nothing unusual, right? But then I realized — with the same amount, I could eat a full lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
That thought stayed with me. It made me reflect on how money, indulgence, and perspective are all so deeply relative.
For some, 23 Malaysia Ringgit is just a quick coffee. For others, it’s two days’ worth of meals. And if we zoom out even more, someone else out there is spending in a single day what you and I might spend in an entire year — whether on one luxury item, a vacation, or even an experience that vanishes in a few hours.
Here’s the truth I’ve uncovered:
- Money is relative – Its value shifts depending on your situation, location, and stage in life.
- Indulgence is perspective – What feels like a luxury for one person is an everyday choice for another.
- Wealth is invisible layers – It’s not only about how much you spend, but how much you can comfortably spend without trade-offs.
This realization doesn’t mean we should stop indulging. It means we should be conscious of the choices we make and grateful for the flexibility we have. Because every 23 Malaysia Ringgit has multiple possible lives — coffee, meals, savings, or even investment.
Money is never just about numbers; it’s about meaning.
Journal Prompts ✍🏽
- Think about a recent purchase — what else could that same amount of money has represented in your life?
- What does “indulgence” mean to you? Is it tied to comfort, status, or joy?
- If money is relative, what is one area in your life where you already feel wealthy (time, health, relationships, opportunities)?
- What trade-offs are you willing (or not willing) to make with your money right now?
Salima
Just me thinking out loud over here