A friend of mine would often say : Money may not buy you happiness. But at least it keeps you miserable in comfort. Ask anyone who’s broke!
Of course, that is only one point of view.
Agreed that more money makes life look happier but all the time we do see people who have the money they want, but never seem to enjoy it the way they’re supposed to.
Naturally, we all have basic needs – who would opt for a life on the pavement or choose to be hungry, or even dirty?
Interestingly, there are studies that say that cash can buy a certain amount of satisfaction with life. But enjoyment? Not so much.
Cash can get you security, but happiness is a whole new ballgame.
Ultimately, joy, my dears, is not for sale.
So – lets look at what we can list as life’s basic needs.
For some this could be a roof over the head – regardless of the type of roof, a roof, running water even if it is cold and enough food so they don’t go hungry.
For others, it can go a step further and imply air conditioning, hot towels, gourmet food – you know what I mean!
Ultimately, it is a matter of individual perception, then.
Even so, some things are the same for everyone. These include:
- The desire to be treated with respect
- The desire to be surrounded by people who love us
- The desire to learn new things
- The desire to be involved in what we are good at
Can we put a price on these things?
I guess not.
Some years ago, while looking for something, I recall some promos that went:
Trade smiles
The best blue chips you buy are the ones you dip in salsa
There’s no spending limit when it comes to spending time with family
For guaranteed return on investments, buy flowers
Nice eh?
Finally, it all boils down to love, relationships and people.
Still, one cannot deny that it feels good to have the cash to do the things we want to do.
For me, I’d like money to survive, and also support the charities I am involved in. I’d like to have the money when a friend is in need so I can share. I’d like money for when I have a medical emergency. And of course, coffee.
But never so much that it slips over to the greed category.
The NY Daily News lists how money CAN buy happiness
What do you think?
What are your views on this?
Do you think money can buy you happiness?
And just so you know, money bought me a new camera for my birthday and that directly translates to happiness for me. Just sayin’! Check these out … I confess I am obsessed with these birds!
Look at it. A lesson in patience.
Absolutely relaxed.
Noises don’t bother it. At most, it might extend its neck a bit. And that’s all you are getting, it seems to say, when I shout at it.
Oh yes, the neighbor is away. Free run of their place.
Yes, yes, bring your friends too!
Play all you like.
Or just walk around. The wall is the perfect width, right?
Or just chill and watch the world go by! No rush. “They also serve who stand and wait”
Hey, you not joining your friends?
And you? Oops. I can see you are busy!
Hey, hey…mi casa es su casa eh? Feel free to make yourself at home. Oh wait, you already did!
I am joining Mel at Stirrup Queens for MicroblogMondays
5 comments
The topic is so relevant and you have rightly mentioned the connections.
Why are we so consumer minded when it comes to life?
When love is free, we ignore it, both receiving and giving. Why is it so difficult to feel the joy while sharing love with all?
I have experienced so many a times that as soon as I express or feel love after some mood swings i feel so light as if some burden has been lifted, but even then it becomes a struggle at times to feel the love within.
Really..how foolish we are
Money helps to bring some creature comforts but it does not bring happiness or peace. I think of Christina Onasis who was the richest at one point but was so unhappy and she died young. There is Barbara Hutton (I think that’s her name)-when her dad died, she was the richest girl in the world. She spent freely during the great depression and yet was so unhappy and distrustful and she died a recluse and almost broke. My mom suffered great losses and her home, at one point, was in a bombed out building in post WW2 Germany in a basement where the ceiling was held up by a chair holding the beam up and she recalls being quite happy. For all the wealth the Khardassians have, I don’t believe they are happy. They are insecure and need the constant attention of the media. They must warp their bodies to keep up the idea they are beautiful and they forget that it boils down to how one feels about themselves inwardly. In the end, where will they be? Will they trust? Money can give us comforts but it is up to each person to find that peace and happiness within no matter what befalls us. We must go within to find the riches we have already
Birgit recently posted…Christmas is a coming….faster than we think!
Money can’t buy happiness/joy, but lack of sufficient money can make most people miserable. Of course, each person has her/his own definition of ‘sufficient money’!
Proactive Indian recently posted…Khushroo Poacha and indianblooddonors.com: a true inspiration!
I actually did a post in exactly this topic. Should success be measured by money? Can money buy you happiness? And l agree with you. Money is needed for a comfortable life, to educate our children, to safeguard our retirement and to help us indulge in activities that give us happiness. But an avarice for it takes you downhill. The balance is the hardest to achieve.
Rachna Parmar recently posted…What is the Optimum Screen Time for Children?
Indeed, Rachna. One has to know where to draw the line, decide what constitutes “enough”, otherwise it is an infinite quest.
Thank you for commenting! By the way, I wrote about screen time a few weeks ago! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel