by Carmel Brulez

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

The best things in life do not cost a dime. They are far more important than some many things which can cost us millions. Everything money can buy is material; we can be very happy without material possessions. If you have a lovely house that is great, but you do not need it and you certainly do not need a whole streetful of houses. A bar of gold is expensive but what do you need it for and how does it make you happier?

Happiness is about emotional needs and these are not always tied to practicalities. Peace of mind, freedom from worry and stress and an inner calmness are the most valuable things we can have and are impossible to obtain with money. How each of us obtains this will vary from person to person as we all have different personalities. Some may long to have children. Others may dream of working as a doctor and helping others. None of these aspirations require riches. They require skill, time, determination or courage. We all possess these qualities and they have nothing to do with money, they cannot be bought.

The simpler our life and our aspirations and goals the easier it is to be happy. If you can be happy with just enough money to live on, and maybe a few extra bucks in the bank for a rainy day, you are rich simply because you have peace of mind. You are not upset with the status quo. You are not going to be letting yourself in for disappointments. Your happiness is not based on what may or not be in the future. It is already there. You have already arrived at your destination.

A person who is young, fit and healthy has something very special. The very old, frail, doddery multi millionaire would swap places with them in an instant. What is the point to being rich if you are old and feeble? Far better to be poor, young, fit and healthy. Another person may be in a fantastic loving relationship and have a close supportive family. They are also better off than the multi millionaire, if he is lonely, sad and bored. The man who is blind and cannot see would swap all the riches on the World for the ability to read and admire a beautiful flower.

The one most valuable thing in the World is love. To be loved by others is a wonderful thing and it is something we can have if we are decent, caring loving people ourselves. Some of the poorest people are the happiest because they value their family and friends, feel appreciated, loved and supported, and are not pining for things they do not have.

Simple things such as enjoying the sun rising, a rainbow, listening to the pitter patter of the rain on the window, hearing birds sing, watching a stream trickle down a mountain side, laughter, a beautiful painting, a classic novel or a delicious meal are the things which give us the most pleasure. If we could just enjoy each thing as it happens. Even things that seem quite trivial such as having a nice chat with a friend, we would be a lot happier.

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