Random Thoughts: Do Stuff, Buy Happiness

Can money buy happiness?

Along with “What’s the sound of one hand clapping?” and “Why do they report power outages on TV?”, the correlation between money & happiness is a mystery many of us ponder.

According to Brett Graff and her article in the July 2009 issue of Good Housekeeping – yes, happiness can be bought, and for cheap!

Before this goes too far, let me assure you that I in no way think you can literally buy happiness, and neither does Brett. “The golden rule: devote your dollars to things that further your goals and beliefs.”

The gist of the article is that what or who you spend you money is more important than how much you spend. To make it even simpler, “one great way to invest in happiness: focus on doing rather than owning.”

As a 20-something looking to make something of herself, money is not plethoric – in fact, my credit card companies probably wish I had a lot more of it to give to them. I tried to buy happiness for years. It’s not for sale. Reading this article was a great joy & a fantastic reminder that making time to do what you love is far more important than any big house, flashy car, brand-name purse, or massive diamond ring.

Life isn’t about stuff … it’s about life and truly living it. The human experience is a unique one and we shouldn’t waste any extra time bulking up our bank accounts if we are going to waste the money on needless material obsessions. Would I like a new pair of jeans? Yes, and one of those sweaters I’ve always liked … but I’m still happy without them, and I bet you can be too.

The things I own that have value are such because I add value to them. Their history makes me smile, not how much I paid for them: furniture my family brought over from Germany and Sweden; the scarf I knitted for my husband; the muffins my mum and I made together; the custom-designed print Tara made for my wedding. The only value our objects have are the value we place upon them. Just because some is new, “it”, or made in a far away land from some fancy fabric, doesn’t give it value … only you do.