Don't let my beat up Hyundai Elantra fool you.

I’ve been getting to the bag.

Some might say I’ve lived “the dream”.

$800 sections in NYC

Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, D&G and shopping sprees for mom.

$1100 plane tickets for New Years celebrations in Tokyo.

I’ve been collecting and blowing the bag for quite some time.

The question is, was it worth it?

In a world obsessed with money rolls, cars and clothes, I wonder if we are forgetting what’s most important – what we will have to sacrifice in return.

On TV, social media and even real life, everyone is talking about “getting to the bag”. Influencers and celebrities are living out dreams we didn’t even know we had, chatting about hustling and grinding, and making us believe we need this illustrious “bag”. What they often fail to discuss is what it will take to maintain this lifestyle and what you will give up in return.

What will it cost you?

That Louis Vuitton you’ve been dreaming of toting on your arm? It’s gonna cost ya. Not just in terms of money, but also in time. How many hours will you have to grind just to get that thousand dollar bag? What will you miss out on as a result?

That luxury whip you’ve been dying to stunt in? It’s gonna set you back a pretty penny. Not just when you drive it off the lot, but also when it's time for repairs and standard maintenance. When you have to choose your car over a trip, business venture or life goal because you’re short on cash, will it still be worth it?

I’ve been there – spending 60 to 70 hours a week, grinding for a paycheck, so I can fulfill some lofty dream of owning a multitude of material possessions or jet setting around the world. Sometimes the thrill was worth it, but most times, it was just a gateway to anxiety, lack of sleep, depression, and loneliness.

Don’t take this to mean you that you don’t need money, shouldn’t work hard or that you shouldn’t have nice things. I believe you should get everything you deserve and I understand hard work is likely required.

Just consider the following:

• What will it take to maintain the lifestyle that can afford these things?
• What do you truly need to live a life that fulfills you?
• Where do you draw the line? Is there anything you’re not willing to sacrifice?

All in all, have I had some great experiences? Yes.

Did I risk my sanity, relationships, and self-respect to do it? Yep.

I can’t sit here and tell you that I’m no longer getting to the bag. After all, I do live with my dad.

The difference is that now I know the hustle, the grind and getting to the bag can lead us astray if we’re not careful.

These days, I’ve decided that “the grind” should never mean more to me than my health and wellness. I also believe, the hustle is useless to me, unless it creates more time and energy to be spent with the people that are most important. Lastly, I don’t care about getting a bag, unless it allows me to do more of what I love.

What matters most to you? How will securing the bag help you live a life you love?

Que-so Goodbye,

Jessica