"Je croirai toujours que vous ne devriez pas être fier de la richesse; Faites de votre mieux, trouvez votre passion et votre communauté vous aidera à poursuivre ce que vous voulez et à vivre votre véritable personnalité."

That quote is about finding what truly matters in life beyond just acquiring wealth. It encourages us to focus on doing our best, following our passions, and relying on our community for support. The core idea is that wealth isn't something to be proud of or to chase after for its own sake. Instead, living authentically and pursuing what you love will bring real fulfillment.

Historically, or even personally, this idea has resonated with many during times of economic disparity. Think of the Great Depression or the recent financial crises. During such times, it becomes clear that money can be fleeting and unreliable. What remains steadfast are our passions and the support of our community—those are the things that help us weather any storm.

Picture this: there’s a woman named Maria. She was a high-flying corporate lawyer, making tons of money but feeling empty inside. Her passion, however, was baking. One day, she decided to leave her high-paying job to start a small bakery in her community. At first, it wasn’t easy. But Maria’s friends and neighbors loved her cakes and pastries. They spread the word, helped her through the tough times, and her bakery eventually became the heart of the neighborhood. Maria wasn't just making a living; she was living her dream, and her community played a huge role in that transition.

So how do you apply this wisdom? First, take a step back and assess what you’re passionate about. What gets you excited? What makes you lose track of time? Once you’ve identified that, think about how you can incorporate that into your life. Maybe it’s starting a side hustle or volunteering in an area that aligns with your passion. Then, don’t be afraid to lean on your community. Share your dreams with them. You might be surprised at how willing people are to support you. It’s all about building those connections and letting others in on your journey.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a crossroads in your career. Your current job pays well, but you feel like you’re just going through the motions. You’ve always loved writing but never thought you could make a living from it. You start writing in your free time—short stories, blog posts, maybe even a novel. You share your work with friends and family, and they love it. They offer encouragement, some even help you with editing, and one friend knows a publisher and gets you connected. Eventually, you might find that your writing becomes more than just a hobby—it becomes your life’s work, with the support of those around you.

The takeaway here is to chase what excites you and know that your community will have your back. Life’s too short to spend it on something that doesn’t bring you joy, no matter the paycheck. So go out there, do your best, and let your passion guide you. Your community will be there, cheering you on every step of the way.