The Evolving Meaning of Brokenness

A lot of people often say they're broke, but then when you take a critical look at those people's finances, you'll notice their financial status differs during those moments, and this raises eyebrows regarding what then is the definition of being broke, since it varies per individual. I for one think being broke has a different definition per person, and that's why you can see some wealthy individuals spend thousands or millions and still say they're broke. Meanwhile, that same amount of money they've spent and claim they're broke is what someone else would have and say they're rich or set up for life. So what then is the definition of being broke to me personally?

Although it's worth noting that my definition of being broke has varied through the years, I should probably say that's due to my financial capacity during those times or probably varies based on my employability status. Take for instance, during my teenage and youthful days, I would say being broke to me then was when I didn't have money to buy my basic needs, such as food items, data, transportation, and the like. Back then I was mostly dependent on my parents for financial needs, and that's the major reason why my definition of being broke seems simple, shallow, or the lowest of low.

However, my definition of being broke has changed drastically between then and now. Take, for instance, nowadays being broke isn't limited to not having my basic needs, because nowadays I can have enough food to last me for months and have enough money to take me from point A to point B and yet still say I'm broke. I'm guessing my definition of being broke has now evolved to the point whereby, once I have less than a certain amount, I just see myself as being broke, regardless of if there are no financial needs that arise then.

I'm sure you'll be wondering how much that amount is that, once I don't have it either in cash or sitting in my bank account, makes me feel like I'm broke. Well, it's not actually a huge amount of money, but then for now, that's what I see as being broke, and that amount is one hundred thousand naira, which is about sixty-five thousand dollars at today's exchange rate. It's an amount that's enough to do some basic things, but then I just feel like I must leave it sitting somewhere every month so that regardless of what comes up, I would be able to tackle it with that amount without going through much stress.

I understand some people's definition of being broke might vary from mine, maybe lower or higher, but then it's not like I'm trying to feel proud, but just my ideology for now based on my financial status. These can change with time, and I hope it changes for the better. I mean, I want to be like people who'll have millions of naira or dollars and still say they are broke, and it's not like they're joking, but just that that's their definition of brokenness to them at that point in time.

All photos are taken and edited on canva.