In our last post, we looked at the effect of living with purpose on your spiritual health. And we saw how it relates to living a happy and fulfilled life.
Today we’ll switch gears and talk about things that don’t make you happy.
What doesn’t make you happy is money and more material possessions. In fact, quite the opposite seems to be true.
Now at times a bit of extra cash or more reliable car can decrease your stress and worries. And that does bring a measure of happiness.
But once we have our needs and simple comforts met, something interesting happens.
From there on out, more money and more possessions give us more “stuff” to worry about.
The goal then shouldn’t be to do everything we can to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, what makes us happy is living a purpose driven and meaningful life.
Deep down you already know this. Meaningful experiences trump material gifts anytime.
We remember the fun trips we took as kids. And the great times we had at concerts. A pile of presents under the tree pales in comparison.
There are exceptions. Like the year you got the new bike. But that gift had purpose and meaning behind it.
So boosting happiness and well-being through more money and stuff is not the answer.
Better to first cover the basic needs. Then shift your focus to experiences and relationships. That’s the key to leading a happy and fulfilled life.
Also important is focusing on finding purpose in what we do.
Financial goals are fine. But don’t leave out goals for your relationships and experiences.
Your thoughts might drift toward your next promotion. Or how you’ll afford a new car. But make sure you send your primary thought time and energy to the most important people and things.
Start living with purpose and making a difference. You’ll increase the well-being of people around you.
And you’ll be happier, too.
JohnK 6-19-2017
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Overheard: “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”
– Voltaire
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