This topic always seems very sensitive to others with backlash from many people. Societies “Money can’t buy happiness,” statement usually has an image of a disgruntled big shot CEO that’s completely disconnected from the world. In most cases, you see a man or woman who is single, overworked, and pretty much cold to the touch.
Misunderstood.
Let us dive in with this one, but get the gloves on first. I have a pretty face! Remembering back many, many moons ago I had a conversation about dreams and aspirations with one of my clients. I told her that one day I would own a Lamborghini and travel across the US on an automotive rally. The young lady interrupted and said that money couldn’t buy happiness. I went to give my response and she quickly turned and left. First, who does this?
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
–Walt Disney
Traveling opens your mind.
My thoughts are that money potentially has the ability to assist with your journey of ongoing happiness. For example, I love traveling with my family and introducing my daughters to new and cool places with different cultures, traditions, and ways of life in general. If I hadn’t in the financial position then we wouldn’t be able to experience it hands-on. The different lands make me smile. I am just one of those people that feel the goodness of the earth by venturing out and exploring.
Think of it as a tool.
When you have the financial freedom to do the things you want in life it creates happiness. I can purchase this ticket, fly to Monaco, watch the race live and in color on an extravagant yacht, and then stay at an amazing hotel, therefore it afforded the happiness inside. A dream of mine was always to go to see a race live there. If you are the type that has grown up in one town and have all the wonderful things around you that you enjoy, then you don’t necessarily need an abundance of money. That is perfectly cool. I don’t have lots of family around me like I did when I was younger.
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a Lamborghini, which is pretty damn close!!! Right?!”
—Anonymous
Tired of the everyday grind.
I have been fortunate enough to meet so many amazing people along the way that are successful internally and externally. Many have expressed to me that they are extremely grateful to be able to go and do amazing things in their lives due to having financial freedom. Explanations of the sad and complacent lives they had led with the feeling of no end in sight were pretty depressing, to say the least. Being tired of the daily grind they decide to make the strides towards their dreams.
Getting involved.
Creating opportunities to get involved with new experiences makes most people happy. Some even say that having more money than what they know what to do with created wonderful charitable causes. Donating money to a cause and being involved as well propels happiness in so many directions. What a better way to spend money! The reward of a humanitarian project coming into fruition can bring joy to so many.
Money helps to accomplish certain things.
It is in my opinion that there are certain stages in life that must be met internally in order for any internal happiness can occur regardless of the debate of money making people happy or not. Again, it is my belief that the money can “assist” in happiness, but solely based on purposes of enriching one’s life. Or you may be the type of person that really does feel that purchasing things make you happy and that’s ok too. As long as you are truly happy. Take a look at https://ridiculouslyenjoylife.com/2019/12/05/post-11-the-1-grab-the-sky/ to give me your thoughts.
The 5 things that should be met according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are: (in order)
Physiological- basic survival needs
Safety- the protection of oneself and family
Love/belonging- forming and maintaining relationships
Esteem- the feeling of value within
Self-actualization- the realization of one’s full potential
More can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs
“What a man can be, he must be.”
-Abraham Maslow
Take a step back and look at some of the people that say money can’t buy happiness and I believe you’ll discover that most of these people are the ones that don’t have financial freedom and are completely miserable themselves. Not all of course, but they are the type to not celebrate others successes and are very critical in general. Please don’t be like that. Celebrate the wonderful successes of the peers around you! Each day when we rise we have the opportunity to do great things. We can do great things for others that are less fortunate. We can brighten other people’s day. When we have money we are better equipped to assist others.
Do something kind.
For example, a storm passes and there’s a lot of damage to people’s homes in your area. Power is out, trees are down and not everyone has the means to help themselves in this type of emergency, so you go and purchase some chain saws, generators, and other emergency items to lend a hand. In this situation, you helped others in your community which made them happy and made you happy as well! Also, you could take a relative on a vacation that they weren’t able to on their own. See how this could help?!
success:
the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
Do you believe that celebrating others’ successes gives you the opportunity to be open-minded about the possibilities of your own successes? Seriously, what do you think?
*********************Please respond to the questions here with us so we can learn and grow. The good and the bad will help others recognize successes and failures in our own lives. Thank you so very much!*************************
