There is more in the heart of man than money can buy.

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Reading the Norse Sagas and Edda's around the fire in my long hall whilst sipping mead from a horn-cup always brings me value and relevant meaning; I thought to share some.

_{I don't actually have a Viking long hall, but I have a fire and mead so it works. Either way, the reading is valuable. I've been putting together a raiding party holiday with Britain as the destination. I've gathered a few warriors and shield maidens for the army however I'm always looking for more. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in raiding visiting Britain in the not too distant future comment below. No prior experience is required as on the job training will be provided however it would be advantageous for applicants to possess the following attributes: Sword and axe skills, ability to form the shield wall and to row a long boat. It should be a great time although your safety cannot be guaranteed. If you die we'll give you a rousing send-off though. original im src}

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This week's Viking quote

There is more in the heart of man than money can buy - Grettir Saga

I chose this quote today as it's fitting considering today is the first day I've been jobless in an uncountable number of years - I can't even recall the last time I wasn't gainfully employed. In case you're wondering, it feels awesome!

_{Note: 08:15, phone rings this morning with a recruiter offering me a job. Talk about Murphy's Law huh?}

I'm not money-driven in general; I understand its importance and the requirement for it in modern society of course, but I'm not ruled by it. I have things, nice things, but don't allow the need, or desire, for money to dictate my behaviours. Although, in truth, there was a time I did so to some lesser degree. I earned pretty good money and worked in an industry where flashy materialistic things were seen as a measure of one's success and yes, I got swept along with the crowd, Wolf of Wall Street style. It wasn't too long before I reverted to the real me once again though and I let that need, the want, go. I felt better.

Several years later, around 2013, I was the Director of my own property development company and things were moving along nicely; I had solid present and future income and was well on the way to having the ability to make decisions over the next 5-7 years that would see me working far less and living more; I'd have the ability to live a more relaxed life due the hard work, blood, sweat and tears I'd put into my company.

Everything was going great until my business partner took off with everything. I mean seven figures here folks.

My world crashed down under the weight of financial loss, lawyers fees and the emotional strain that, I'll admit, nearly broke me. I also had to reform a new company and continue to work for clients and some of whom were unforgiving of my plight and others very giving and accommodating.

I sold a lot of my things, cars and all, and lost a lot of who I was as a man. I wasn't in a good place at all but I hustled, legally, and did what was required to prevent a total capitulation, financially and emotionally. I had little choice as the alternative, total capitulation, didn't seem right for me.

One thing I did a lot of was hiking, kayaking and camping and staying away from people; I felt like a complete loser and often sat around asking myself how could I have let it happen and I felt everyone was looking at me thinking the same. That was unhealthy so I did outdoorsy stuff usually in remote places so there was no one to see and judge. Those activities were also free to do and that worked because I had nothing; no money. I got to think a lot in my solitude.

It was the best thing ever! The entire thing I mean.

You see, in that time, despite the hurt, pain, fear, anger [a lot of it] and all the other emotions that I experienced I learned valuable lessons about myself, money, material items, people's judgement, perception and trust; it redefined a lot of things for me and I wrapped it up into one single phrase:

Learn what's truly important to you, what makes your heart sing, and do that.

I know, it's simple right? I'm a total knucklehead after all though so what did you expect? Its meaning is a little deeper than what one at first sees, to me at least.

I spent some months learning what those things were and actually doing them. Sure, sometimes I felt like I was looking at the world from the bottom of a deep, dark crevice but it was these things, the heart sing thing that helped me crawl out. Some were actual activities and some concepts that I needed and wanted to embrace; all were things that combined to create a different G-dog, a stronger one that was better-equipped to move himself forward. It was a very enlightening process.

This Viking quote really resonates with me for many reasons including the lamentable story above and the fact I've just put what is in my heart before money by quitting my job with none to go to.

I don't shun money, far from it, but I don't worship it either. It's a means to an end. I've embraced the need over want ethos, respect and treat well the things I have. Sure, I buy quality things through my buy once cry once strategy, but I buy what I need rather than for the sake of having something new because I want it; the latest and greatest 2.0.1 thing.

I've learned many lessons in life and not all of them were pleasantly acquired - I learn still.

I've recreated myself a few times through necessity and desire and have known extremely good and bad times. Those months I went through due to the greed of someone else were low points, different from the other low points, but terrible all the same...But, like the Phoenix from the ashes, I rose to live again. Ok, maybe that's too dramatic.

I guess what I'm trying to say is none of it killed me despite those things making very decent attempts. I overcame the adversity and learned from it making myself a little stronger in the process, a little wiser and more in touch with the important things in my life. This is why that Viking quote means something to me; it reminds me of the journey and that the very best part of me cannot be bought and that an amazing life cannot be bought; it's inside the person.

This is how I've chosen to think about this quote today however there's many other ways to see it and if you would like to give me your opinion below in the comments I'll be really pleased. Agree with me or not, it doesn't matter, just get involved.

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Skol.