Hello midnight owls, I've been home since morning owing to one reason, I am broke, ys you heard me right, I am ot of money and it's affecting me badly.
There was a time in my life when I believed that hard work alone was enough. I thought that if I remained honest, kind, and patient, everything else would fall into place. While those qualities are important, life taught me a lesson that many Nigerians already know: money is an energy. It opens doors, gives confidence, commands attention, and, whether we like it or not, influences how people treat us.
Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how society responds differently to people based on their financial status. A wealthy man can make the same statement as a poor man, yet only one will be taken seriously. When someone arrives in a nice car, people assume he is intelligent, responsible, and successful. Meanwhile, someone who walks in wearing worn-out clothes may not even be given the chance to express himself before being judged.
I experienced this reality personally.
There was a period when I had very little money. It wasn't just about not being able to buy the things I wanted; it affected my entire mindset. My confidence disappeared. I stopped believing in myself because I constantly compared my situation with others around me. Every invitation became a burden because I knew I couldn't comfortably contribute or even afford transportation without thinking twice.
Eventually, I found myself staying indoors almost every day. I would wake up, eat whatever was available, scroll through my phone, and avoid going outside. I convinced myself that I was simply resting, but the truth was different. I was hiding. I didn't want people asking me what I was doing or how life was going. I didn't want to meet old friends who seemed to be progressing while I was struggling. I feared being looked down on because I had nothing to show for myself.
In Nigeria, poverty can make a person feel invisible. Sometimes, people don't intentionally disrespect you, but you can sense the difference in how they relate to you. Your opinions are ignored. Your phone calls are returned late, if at all. Even family members may unintentionally treat you differently because everyone is fighting their own financial battles.
That season taught me that money is more than paper or numbers in a bank account. It is an energy that creates possibilities. It gives you the courage to dream bigger because you know you can take action. It allows you to help others instead of always depending on them. It gives you freedom to choose rather than settling for whatever comes your way.
This is not to say that money should become our god. Character still matters. Integrity still matters. Compassion still matters. But pretending that money is unimportant is simply denying reality. Many opportunities require resources. Many ideas remain dreams because there is no money to execute them.
That is why the phrase, "In all thy getting, get money," resonates deeply with me. I don't interpret it as an invitation to pursue wealth at all costs or through dishonest means. Instead, I see it as a reminder to develop valuable skills, create solutions, build legitimate businesses, invest wisely, and earn wealth through diligence and excellence.
Money cannot buy genuine peace, but it can remove many unnecessary worries. It cannot replace true friendship, but it can create opportunities to build meaningful relationships. It cannot guarantee happiness, but it can provide comfort during difficult times.
Today, I no longer see financial growth as something optional. I see it as part of personal development. I want to become financially strong, not to impress people, but to live with dignity, support my family, bless others, and pursue my purpose without constantly being limited by lack.
If my past taught me anything, it is this: never allow yourself to become comfortable with poverty. Work hard. Learn continuously. Build multiple streams of income. Save. Invest. Pray. Above all, create value for others. Wealth built on value lasts longer than wealth built on shortcuts.
Money may not be everything, but in the world I live in, it is an energy that moves many things. And as I continue my journey through life, I have made up my mind that I will never underestimate the importance of financial prosperity again.
In all thy getting please include money.
Image design wth Ai
