Whoever dies with the most toys.....loses!

[Rick336]

The old saying goes, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins!" But according to this article from USA Today, that's mostly bullcrap.


From USAToday News:

Psychologists have found that being highly materialistic affects happiness, with those who are most concerned about money and possessions actually being less happy.

"When you look at the entire world, money does matter.....but it almost doesn't matter at all for enjoying life."

Johnson urges people to savor the happy moments, even in the midst of financial chaos.

Read entire article here --->http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-05-happiness-apa-money_N.htm


Rick

[Jennifer5]

Very interesting! My mom was telling me about a similar msn article that she read the other day. I'm a big believer in valuing things like quality time with loved ones. In my opinion that is all that really matters. Money definitely plays a roll because, as they mentioned, all the stress that can come from it's lack of presence.

Thanks for posting this, I'll be passing it on. :)

[Gennee]

Some of the most memorable times in my life have been when things are tough. Nothing wrong with having wealth but does it control you? Some havelet wealth define them much to their disappointment.

Gennee

[Jennifer5]

It's very interesting to think about this as I look at different houses we clean (for my mom's business). Those who have only what they need, but have their needs met definitely seem to be the happiest. Those who have far more than they need seem to have something missing, their houses feel cold and empty. People who appreciate what they have and know when enough is enough, seem to have more successful personal lives/relationships.

[Rick336]

Those who have far more than they need seem to have something missing, their houses feel cold and empty.

When I used to deliver pizzas on a typical afternoon, I would drive down the streets of gated communities with million dollar homes and manicured lawns and very few people would be outside. The yards and streets would be quiet and empty.

Whenever I delivered to lower income neighborhoods, the streets would be filled with kids running and playing and folks sitting on their porches or strolling down the streets or talking to their neighbor across the hedge.

Rick

[Jennifer5]

When I used to deliver pizzas on a typical afternoon, I would drive down the streets of gated communities with million dollar homes and manicured lawns and very few people would be outside. The yards and streets would be quiet and empty.

Whenever I delivered to lower income neighborhoods, the streets would be filled with kids running and playing and folks sitting on their porches or strolling down the streets or talking to their neighbor across the hedge.

Rick

When basic needs are met, money no longer matters regarding happiness. They're definitely right about that.

Happy kids running around and people who are just living and enjoying what they have is priceless.

We live somewhere in between. We have a somewhat active neighborhood, people are always out walking and the little boys next door make sure it never gets too quite. I like the quite, but never too quite. We get our share of silence in the winter.

[Rick336]

When basic needs are met, money no longer matters regarding happiness. They're definitely right about that.

I think happiness also comes from within by having confidence in knowing that one can deal with the challenges of life. That's called high self-esteem.

Unfortunately too many people try to prop up their egos by wealth and prestige; the make of their car, the country club they belong to, or the neighborhood they live in. Then they wonder why they are still unhappy.

Rick

[Jennifer5]

I think happiness also comes from within by having confidence in knowing that one can deal with the challenges of life. That's called high self-esteem.

Unfortunately too many people try to prop up their egos by wealth and prestige; the make of their car, the country club they belong to, or the neighborhood they live in. Then they wonder why they are still unhappy.

Rick

You're absolutely right. It's about finding that level of high self-esteem without becoming self-centered.

[tymejumper]

This makes alot of sense to me actually. I have a co worker that has a very expensive home, 3 new cars, all over 40 thousand each, always is buying jewelry and stuff for his wife and is adding another child to his family. I see him stressed out and working his life away, all to keep up with a lifestyle that is just crazy.

I asked him if he had so much money why not just live on modest means? His reply was "well if you have it why not spend it on stuff?" Forgive me if I just don't get it. He is having another child yet does not take time for the 1st one and he hardly ever is home to spend time with his family. What is the point of life if you don't get to spend time with those you love and make memories with them?

[Jennifer5]

This makes alot of sense to me actually. I have a co worker that has a very expensive home, 3 new cars, all over 40 thousand each, always is buying jewelry and stuff for his wife and is adding another child to his family. I see him stressed out and working his life away, all to keep up with a lifestyle that is just crazy.

I asked him if he had so much money why not just live on modest means? His reply was "well if you have it why not spend it on stuff?" Forgive me if I just don't get it. He is having another child yet does not take time for the 1st one and he hardly ever is home to spend time with his family. What is the point of life if you don't get to spend time with those you love and make memories with them?
We see that a lot here. Here's the secret: it doesn't last. Money can't buy you love. Material things come and go, but love can last forever. They aren't happy people.

[drobs]

Money isn't everything but it's better than the alternative.

Seem like alot of these people with these toys don't have them paid off.

My theory on toys is this. If you can't afford to pay cash for them dont buy them.

[Rick336]

This all reminds me of that great song from the 70s by the group Boston with these lyrics:

( I highlighted what I believe is the message of the song. )



Now if you're feeling kinda low about the dues you've been paying;
Future's coming much too slow.
And you wanna run, but somehow you just keep on staying.
Cant decide on which way to go.

I understand about indecision.
But I don't care if I get behind.
People living in competition.
All I want is to have my peace of mind.

Now you're climbing to the top of the company ladder.
Hope it doesn't take too long.
Can't you see there'll come a day when it won't matter?
Come a day when you'll be gone.

I understand about indecision.
But I don't care if I get behind.
People living in competition.
All I want is to have my peace of mind.

Take a look ahead, take a look ahead, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...

Now everybody's got advice they just keep on giving.
Doesn't mean too much to me.
Lots of people out to make-believe they're living.
Cant decide who they should be.

I understand about indecision.
But I don't care if I get behind.
People living in competition.
All I want is to have my peace of mind.

Take a look ahead, take a look ahead. Look ahead!