The Gilded Cage: How to Break Free

If you’re feeling trapped by your wealth instead of completely free then there’s some misguided understanding of what it means to have wealth and the extraordinary opportunities it affords. Most people believe wealth buys freedom when often it’s quite the opposite. Many successful people, celebrities under public scrutiny or not, feel caged in instead of enjoying the freedom that is ‘supposed’ to come with affluence. A life of material wealth can become a paradox, a contradiction between material advantage and emotional deprivation.

What’s worse is, in general terms, the affluent are considered (by the rest of the population) different. They’re held to a different standard of unrealistic expectation as if they somehow weren’t human. They’re held to an ideal from which the rest of society would shrink. Like animals robbed of free spirit they’re trapped in the glimmering cage of gold.

Of course there are inconsistencies among the wealthy. Some are highly indulgent, fully invested in their luxury lifestyle and firmly grounded in their materialism. With a sense of entitlement they immerse themselves into the experiences their wealth affords and spend freely on whatever tickles their ‘instant gratification’ fancy.

Some snuggle into their luxurious comfort zones where they can focus all their energy and attention on further feathering their high-end nest with more and more layers of luxury. More opulence equals a ‘more better’ life. When ‘more’ fails to deliver, the solution must be even more.

Yet, there are many who enjoy and appreciate the delicious opportunities wealth affords while leveraging their wealth to serve the greater good of all, including themselves. They place their philanthropy, time and attention into what they value and stand for – and they do it with style. Life, for people in this category, is sublime, fulfilling and meaningful.

Why? Because they understand the life they lead is their true value and the legacy they leave. Their quest isn't to die with the most money and toys it is to live fully, love openly and make a positive difference.

As each day unfolds look for and act upon opportunities to do those three things. When you do, you'll experience true wealth.