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Thalia Taylor's avatar

What a profound act of healing. You have transformed inherited fear into inherited love. Thank you for sharing this moment of possibility and grace. You are not just reframing money. You are reclaiming safety, lineage, and worth. Bravo!

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

Oh that's beautifully said, Thalia, thank you! I receive that fully, with gratitude. ❤️

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Alicia Briscoe Navarro's avatar

The part about idolizing and dehumanizing the wealthy is so true. I was raised by starving artist parents and had very little money growing up but some of my closest friends are people I met traveling in my 20's and many of them grew up extremely well off. One thing I've learned is that absolutely nobody escapes the human condition. Grief, loneliness, and self doubt don't give a shit how much money is in your bank account and ultimately, aren't those really the hardest things we grapple with in this life?

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

They absolutely are. Beautiful perspective, thank you. 🙏🏼💞

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Alicia Briscoe Navarro's avatar

Also, it feels rather outrageous to call someone who is uncomfortable with the disparity between what they have and what the people around them have the "most dangerous type of rich person." It would seem to me that the opposite is true (although on a personal level, I think it's also healthy and positive to work through that discomfort).

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

You’re so welcome. Thank you for reading and commenting! 🙏🏼

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

Yeah, it felt off. And I agree, doing the work to overcome the discomfort is the most important thing.

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Alicia Briscoe Navarro's avatar

I think anything we can do to harness our power and use it for good is a positive thing. Thanks for another beautiful piece. ❤️

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Victoria Theodore's avatar

Wonderful and enlightening post! I perceive you as maintaining this balance beautifully. It's hard to miss the abundance present in your life, but what shines even more brightly is your humanity, beautiful heart, kindness, generosity and determination to make the world better as best you can. You're an inspiration!

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

I so appreciate hearing that, thank you for your kind reflection, roomie! Sending love your way! ❤️

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Lisa Levine's avatar

Beautiful post! ❤️

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Marie-Elizabeth Mali's avatar

Thank you for helping me get to the space inside where I could write and share it! ❤️🙏🏼

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Untrickled by Michelle Teheux's avatar

Sorry. I can’t relate because for most of my life I’ve had well-founded fears of imminent disaster. When you are not sure you’ll be able to continue providing for your children, you are always going to see wealth differently.

Yes, both the rich and the poor experience grief, heartbreak, ill health etc. But not having to worry about money removes a HUGE burden. You cannot just dismiss this enormous factor.

I’ve hovered around The Line my whole life. I know exactly when I’ve dipped below it and exactly when I’ve risen a little bit above it. I could draw you a graph. I’m presently just above it.

And let me tell you, I’m grateful. Because even though a madman is in power and the world is edging toward WW3, my mental state is better because I know I can afford our food and utilities. Sure, I still drive a 20-year-old car, because I’d need to rise a bit more above The Line to be able to afford a car payment. It might not happen.

I could drop below The Line again at any time. It’s a precarious space I occupy.

And I occupy it for reasons that have nothing to do with me. I didn’t make bad decisions. I always worked hard. I always did my best. I still do all these things. These things will not save me. Having been born into a family with more resources would have saved me.

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