Change, Exchange:

With most things in life there is an exchange that takes place. Money is a uniform currency we use to make exchange easier. Having money does not make you evil, to have money gives you power to do good. Society often frowns upon people who have money or many possessions. They get labelled as materialistic. But true materialism is when you live above your means. In other words when people no longer use money to benefit themselves or others, when they abuse money by over extending its benefits. E.g. Buying that car, you cannot afford. It’s a very similar concept to over promising and under delivering.

In fair exchanges both parties benefit equally, and the arrangements stay balanced and healthy. An example of emotional or relational exchange would be loyalty and trust. We give loyalty or devotion to people because we trust or rely on them. Devotion is what someone gains from our reliance or dependence on them. To be a leader you must exchange your comfort zone for becoming a master at solving problems and helping people. You must take on responsibility.

The concept or principles of materialism are also applicable to emotional or relational exchanges. E.g. If you don’t have healthy boundaries and give your loyalty or devotion to anyone or even to people who you know you can’t rely on, or that have proven you can’t rely on them. If you take on a leadership role, without fully taking on the responsibility or if you take on responsibility without having the influence or title of the leadership role. If you trust and rely on people who have not shown their devotion or loyalty to you.

Signs of a fair exchange:

1. There will be opportunities to learn and grow in a fair exchange.

2. There won’t be judgement maybe just a bit of healthy criticism.

3. There will be others outside of the agreeing party who will also benefit from the exchange.

4. All terms including the duration of the exchange can easily be discussed.

Signs of an unfair exchange:

1. Twinges of Jealousy or Envy are signs of unequal benefits of an exchange.

2. Looking out for new or other opportunity’s (The grass seems greener elsewhere)

3. Avoiding honest and direct conversation is also a sign of unequal benefits of an exchange.

I wish to inspire people to practice acting with integrity when it comes to any form of exchange and to look out for signs where you are unsafe during exchanges.

Keep Improving

The Ameliorate Team

#materialism; #exchange; #Loyalty; #Trust; #Responsibility; #SelfDevelopment