To many, happiness has been mistaken to mean success measured in terms of assets or wealth. Driven by that view, a lot of people work long hours to amass more money and possessions all in a bid to bring full time happiness. So the question is Do money and possessions bring lasting happiness?
What does the evidence suggest?
According to the Journal of Happiness Studies once our basic needs are met, more income does very little to improve our sense of well-being or happiness. As often misconstrued, money itself isn’t the issue.
As gotten from an article in magazine Monitor on Psychology,
The major cause of our unhappiness in most cases (if not all), is the striving for money. Its can be easily backed up when the bible said the love of money is the root of all evil, and by seeking for this love so many people have stabbed themselves and inflicted a lot of pains.
Asking Yourself What Pains are being referred to here? It’s simple;
WORRY AND LOSS OF SLEEP BECAUSE WEALTH HAS TO BE PROTECTED
Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, whether he eats little or much, but the plenty belonging to the rich one does not permit him to sleep.
DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE PROMISED HAPPINESS FAILS TO ARRIVE
In part, that let down is because the craving for money cannot be satisfied.
A lover of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor a lover of wealth with income. Also, a hunger for wealth may move a person to sacrifice important things that do promote happiness, such as precious time spent with family and friends.
GRIEF AND FRUSTRATION WHEN MONEY OR INVESTMENTS DEPRECIATE OR FAIL
Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth. Stop and show understanding. When you cast your eyes on it, it is not there, for its surel develops wings as the eagles and flies away.
QUALITIES THAT PROMOTE HAPPINESS
In this abridged article I will start with the very few that qualities require little or no external influence.
CONTENTMENT: People who are content are not disposed to complain or grumble, and their attitude protects them against envy. This is because their desires do not exceed their means. (This does not mean one cannot think big). It just means in the middle of your big thoughts, dreams and aspirations, you do not fail to truly appreciate the place you are. Spare yourself needless anxiety and stress.
GENEROUSITY: There is more happiness in giving than in receiving. In life, those who give generously are always happy simply because they are putting smiles on the faces of others. Even if all they have to give is a little of their time and energy that is my definition of success. They often gain in abundance what no amount of money can buy- love, respect and genuine friends who give generously in return.
PUTTING PEOPLE BEFORE THINGS: Loving relationships with others are more valuable than material riches. Love, as we probably already know, is more valuable than material riches and it is so vital to Happiness.