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Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Updated on August 16, 2015

The Secret to Happiness

Can money Buy Happiness?

Survey shows the happiest people in the world live in poor countries while the richest countries in world are not tops in happiness chart. For example, Mexicans are happy people.

Certainly we all want to have more money. It is good to have enough money to buy what you need. Money can certainly buy you a lot of convenience and reduce your frustration. Money is not the root of all evil. It's the lack of money or too much money that you can't handle - that's the root of evil.

All the money in the world cannot buy you an ounce of happiness. There are things in life that money cannot buy. Money can buy you a bed but not a good night sleep. It can buy you a church but not salvation. Money can you the best food but not your health.

In Singapore, there is a small exclusive group of millionaires who get together once a month for a meal. These are people who eat the best food in the best restaurants. Guess what they love to eat together?

It's the humble porridge with salted fish and egg. In it are the memories of childhood, the taste of their sweat in their early years, the bonding and love of the family around the dinner table. Everyone think's their mom's food are the best. These porridge reminds them of the food lovingly prepared by their mom.

If living in luxury is an everyday things, it is not something that make them jump up with joy and get excited about. Sim W.H. a humble millionaire said, "How much can you eat a day?". At some point, you reach saturation point. It's too much of a good thing that you don't feel it is special anymore.

When I was young, we eat chicken only once a year because it is a luxury food. Now I eat it everyday. So eating chicken don't give me the same excitement anymore.

A relative of mine married a millionaire. She is so boastful of her wealth that she is wired like an actress uttering this: "I bought this or that for $xxx dollars". What a turn-off. She was more proud of what she has than what she is. She defines her worth and value by the amount of money she had.

I come from a poor family and my parents take on two jobs to feed a dozen mouths. They were a loving couple and in those days there were no such things as birth control. I asked myself, "Why am I a poor?"

Forty years later, I think I found the answer.

I was not choosy about food because food was scarce; I eat whatever I was given - with much gratitude. I enjoy eating just about anything, especially food that are lovingly prepared by the people I love - my mom and my wife. I savour every bite as my mouth orgases. Every meal is like a feast that I look forward to. I was grateful that I didn't have to go hungry. I had enough to eat. When I say grace - "God, thank for the food" - I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

My eldest sister died at the age of 40. My best friend died at the same age. I told God that if I live beyond that age, I count myself blessed because I had the privilege to live longer than other people who are more deserving than me. I didn't count myself worthy as I am not a great contributor to the world. Each day that I wake up to see the sun, I thank God for being alive to enjoy the senses (of seeing beautiful girls! :-)).

I did not need a lot of things to be happy.I may have little, but I have no lack. Contentment is great gain. Just being a alive and well is more than I can ask for. In a world where people are sick, disabled, jobless and living without basic amenities, my life could have been worst.

Being poor once upon a time, gives me a sense of gratitude and appreciation. It enhance the flavour of life. Be present in the moment and enjoy every senses now.

Happiness is what you feel, not what you have. How you feel is a choice that you can make.
You can be happy, whether you are financially poor or rich. Happiness is a choice.

Sam Choo is an internet marketing coach at http://conversationwithsam.com


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