Think about the things money can’t buy

It’s sad to think that the world we are living in – or more specifically the world our children are growing up in – is becoming more and more materialistic with time.

So many people correlate happiness with money and material possessions. They think “if I only had more money, I could finally be happy.” Or “when I get this new house/car/dress/new gadget I will finally be at peace.”

Most people are shocked to discover that when they get that elusive item, their level of happiness doesn’t really change on a fundamental level.

They honestly THOUGHT it would make them happier but soon that sense of discontent settles over them again. They are already focused on the next “must-have” thing they “have to have”, that will magically sprinkle their life with permanent peace and optimism the moment they hold the item in their hands.

Truth bomb time: happiness comes from within.

I have always remembered this quote by Jim Carrey who so wisely said: “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

In many ways I understand exactly what he means. After having lived my childhood comfortably in a middle-class family in Sydney, I moved back to my parent’s village on an island in Croatia. The people in that village had so little- they were still recovering from a war at the time – but they had everything that was priceless: love, contentment, a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the smaller things in life.

Here is a list of 101 things that cost next to nothing but are sometimes more valuable than any new iPhone, dress, gadget or material items you can buy at the local store.

1. Giving a kiss
2. Sharing a smile
3. Hugging someone you love
4. The joy when a loved one is happy to see you
5. Saying thank you
6. Offering an apology
7. Receiving an apology
8. Practicing forgiveness
9. Meditating
10. Witnessing a sunrise
11. Appreciating a sunset
12. A genuine surprise
13. Decluttering your home
14. Singing
15. Listening to music
16. Seeing a long-lost friend
17. Volunteering
18. Taking a walk
19. Keeping a journal
20. Dancing
21. Breathing deep
22. Fresh air and silence
23. Showing gratitude
24. Reading a brilliant library book
25. Silence when you need a rest
26. Makings new friends
27. Being kind
28. Any random act of kindness in fact
29. Expressing your creativity
30. Getting some fresh air
31. Taking a power nap
32. Making your bed
33. Having a good night’s sleep
34. Living in the moment
35. Taking a warm bath
36. Letting go of resentment
37. Feeling hopeful
38. Setting new goals
39. Stepping outside your comfort zone
40. Saying “I love you”
41. Feeling love itself
42. Saying a prayer
43. True friends
44. Family
45. Laughing until your muscles ache
46. Learning to laugh at yourself
47. Getting over petty grievances
48. Cuddles from a pet
49. Great memories
50. Achieving something you didn’t think you could do
51. Witnessing a shooting star
52. Following a rainbow
53. Enjoying nature
54. Picking a wildflower
55. Stopping to smell the roses
56. Finding money in your pocket that you forgot about
57. Discovering something you thought you lost
58. The first day of summer
59. Crunching autumn leaves
60. The weekend
61. Being cozy inside while it rains outside
62. Swimming in the ocean
63. A warm bed on a cold winter’s morning
64. Smelling a perfume you love
65. Receiving a sincere compliment
66. Waking up rested before your alarm clock goes off
67. Elevator doors opening as soon as you press the button
68. Holding someone’s hand
69. Staring at the clouds
70. The innocence of a small child
71. The bravado of an older kid
72. Confidence
73. Loyalty
74. Trust
75. Respect
76. A hardworking ethic
77. An easy-going nature
78. A good reputation
79. Discipline
80. Willpower
81. Integrity
82. A clear purpose
83. A sense of humour
84. Compassion
85. Good manners
86. Spare time
87. TIME ON EARTH
88. The truth
89. Inner peace
90. Talent
91. Good health
92. Knowledge
93. Acceptance of yourself
94. Acceptance of others
95. Work-life balance
96. Common sense
97. A good character
98. A clear conscience
99. An open mind
100. A proper perspective
101. A second chance to make things right again

Trust me, you may not realize the value of these things right now but one day you will.

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The post 101 Things That Money Can’t Buy Yet Bring You Happiness appeared first on Inspiring Life.