Sunday, September 27, 2009

HOW TO: BE HAPPY WITH LESS

Now I'm not gonna tell ya that money can't buy happiness, but I will tell ya that you can be just as happy with a lot less than ya have? Huh? Let me explain...


Step 1: Assume that your life is as good as it's ever gonna get.
Assume you'll never be richer, and you'll be a bunch closer to bein' content with what ya have, 'specially if you're not wishin' and hopin' and prayin' to get more.



Step 2: Know the truth.
Don't assume that more money would make you happier. As long as the bills are gettin' paid, there's not much difference on the happiness scale between the rich and the rest of us. Think about it.


Step 3: Make frugality fun.
In other words... Think Cheap! Figurin' out ways to save money can be as satisfyin' as spendin' it.



Step 4: Play The Glad Game
Think happy thoughts. People who thought about positive events in their lives for 8 minutes per day for 3 days felt better about their lives a month later, according to a study. And no, I don't know what study it was or who did the study or why 8 minutes and not 10... just do it!


Step 5: Focus on Doin'instead of Spendin'.
Focus on things you can DO instead of things you can BUY. Experiences bring more pleasure than possessions, and the good feelings last longer, accordin' to research... again, I don't know what research, just do it. It just seems more believable if you think someone has done research, don't it? Go for a walk, go swing on the playground, work in your garden, play with your hamster, etc.

Step 6: GO GREEN.
Ever time you refrain from buyin' somethin' that you don't need, make do with what you've got, or purchase somethin' used, think of the good you're doin' the planet. And besides, bein' Green in this day and time is very popular, and it makes people think you're smarter than you really are, trust me on this.


A wise person once said... "Embrace the sentiment that true happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you've got." And no it weren't me that said it, but it coulda been.

5 comments:

  1. I can't remember enough positive thoughts to make it 8 minutes a day, for 3 days. Crap... I can't remember enough to even complete just one thought, positive or negative!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pink Legs, you're so sweet to comment. Oh, I think you're a bunch more positive than you think you are Ms. Anthropy. You're such a sweet potato, and I think you've got a whole swarm of positive thoughts goin' on... or maybe not.

    ReplyDelete
  3. She could hurt my feelings for 8 minutes, that has been proven many a time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks, Al. Glad to know I still have some effect, somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love it when you two go at it!
    Nice blog Ida... I myself have been trying to unburden myself with "things". I prefer to live simply. Thank you for your post, Ida.

    ReplyDelete