$$$ won't buy happiness

[CAPTAINZING2000]

I'd recently stumbled across this article again


The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We've conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.



After the recent plunge in the markets, I wonder if, the money isn't there or, people are pulling back from buying happiness?


A lot of us got involved with drugs and alcohol while trying to fill a void in our lives. Many of us, run up large debts on our plastic cards trying to buy happiness.

Happiness is an inside job. True happiness can only be found by becoming one with the spirit.

I've paid off my house, paid off my car. I'm no longer trying to buy happiness. I'm finding it by helping other people and thru a more dedicated approach to prayer. Prayer for direction not for anything selfish. Prayer to be of use to help others, prayer for other people that, are having troubles in their lives.

It's taken me so many years to try and grow in my faith. After our basic needs are met, how important is it to have the material things that can't love us back??

Is it safe to say, happiness isn't found in having everything you want but, loving everything you have?

[WLDKATZ]

well gratefully I know the difference now..........

hugs and prayers,
Pamm

[Ann]

Thank you from me too. I've had great times in my life and I've had periods of struggle and darkness, but in reflection the difference was never about money or "success" or what job I had, the difference has been what is in my heart and how I choose to look at life.

Recovery, a spiritual connection and the support of so many friends has brought me to a place of great richness today, the richness of living life well and finding a happiness that I never knew was possible.

Hugs

[barb dwyer]

I would like to find that out for myself first, personally.

I'm frankly bored with the purity of austerity and the nobility of abject poverty.

What is learning through OPULENCE all about?

I'd like to experience that for a while.

*shrug*
just for a change.

[CAPTAINZING2000]

Long As I'm In Out Of The Cold And Food In My Stomach, Everything Else Is Extra

[dollhouse]

Thank you! For that great message. It lets me know what is turly important. Again Thanx again...

[nandm]

A lesson that I have been forced to learn through trial and error.

I have been on both sides of the spectrum; too much money and not nearly enough. I have found it never changed how I felt about myself either way. It did not make me a better or worse person. It didn't make me happy, sad, lonely, or peaceful. All those things are an inside job. Money is an exterior thing that comes and goes like the wind. Sometimes it blows in strong gusts and sometimes it is so calm it is barely perceptible. Either way I can not allow myself to believe the lie that society tries to convince me of that money buys happiness.

Thanks for the reminder.