Money and the things that matter
Make a list of everything that makes you happy. That sounds like a lot of work. Fine, make a list of the top 5 things that make you happy.
Now see how many of these things can be bought using money?
If you find that you need money to get a few or all the things on your list do this small exercise. Ask yourself why is it that you derive happiness from these things? Keep asking till you feel you’ve gotten to the most basic reason for this need.
Example 1:
Let’s say in your first list you said your car makes you happy. Great! And you definitely need money to buy your car.
Now on further inquiry, let’s say you see that your car makes you happy because you love to hit the open road as it gives you a sense of freedom.
Example 2:
Let’s say in your first list you said going out to eat makes you happy. Great! And you definitely need money to go out to eat.
Now on further inquiry, let’s say you see that going out to eat makes you happy because it is the time you spend with a certain loved one.
Example 3:
Let’s say in your first list you said having a beautiful home makes you happy. Great! And you definitely need money to maintain a beautiful house.
Now on further inquiry, let’s say you see that having a beautiful home makes you happy because it gets you praise from the people that visit your home which in turn makes you feel valued.
So even though we may think what makes us happy is a car, eating out, or a beautiful home; what truly makes us happy cannot be bought with money. It is because we tie having a sense of freedom to a car, spending time with our loved ones to going out for a meal, or being valued to having a beautiful home that we aren’t able to give up the rat race.
Money can get you a lot of things- you should definitely go get yourself some. Having money is great! It makes a lot of life situations easier and more comfortable. However, thinking that money can bring you happiness or love or peace or anything that truly matters to you is unfortunately only a mousetrap. I hope reflecting on this will help you enjoy money with some necessary awareness of its limited usefulness.
