True Happiness?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

If you have FU money your can then focus on everything else.

People think that having money fixes most problems. It doesn't. What it does do is give you choices that your didn't have before.

Exactly.

[ckelly78z]

I have found a measure of true happiness in my home life. We have been on our (paid off) farm for 22 years now, and fully plan on another 22 years in the same spot. We have most of what we want, with a really decent pension, and 401K waiting for me. Both of my kids are well adjusted, and successful, and both sets of parents are still doing well.

I guess being content with my position in life is worth alot to me, and not constantly worrying about small things.

[Chocaholic]

Sorry guys. The warm fuzzy deathbed schtick is good on a Hallmark card. If you don’t have a livelihood, you won’t find happiness living in a cardboard box under an overpass. It’s the world we live in. Like ckelly above, having resources and a nest egg are simply necessities to relieve stress and enjoy life. Work hard. Be responsible. Save your money. Enjoy the journey.

[1990C4S]

I know it does not involve a 928.

[bpu699]

Like someone else mentioned, true happiness is a frame of mind. How you get to that point, whether through religion, family, relaxation, meditation, or just dumb luck... varies.

You can be happy with millions or with pennies. Its all perspective.

People are "built" a certain way...

Much like I doubt you can take a lazy person and make them into a workaholic that runs a small business 24 hours a day... Similarly, you can't take a self motivated person and make them sit on a couch 24 hours a day.

Wealth, is a by-product of hard work (usually)...

There is little relationship between happiness and wealth past a minimal subsistence amount.

Like most of you, as time goes on, my "wealth" increases. I certainly have way more than I had in my 20's, and 30's. I am no more or less happy...

For me at least, happiness is looking into the eyes of my kids, as they constantly surprise me with their wisdom and kindness...

Bo

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Enjoy the journey.

That is, to me, the heart of the matter and hard to do: I have had a number of "journeys" in my life and have found that the more experience and perspective I gain the clearer the personal orienteering becomes.

One of the most enlightening jobs I had in the Navy was as a "Detailer" - essentially a career manager for other Naval Aviators.

I thought going in that the ratio of "grinders" (career focused above all else) to life-choice folks would be 80% grinders, 20% life choice.

In fact the ratio was almost exactly the opposite. I learned a lot just listening to the hopes and dreams of each set, the journey they were navigating. It was a remarkable experience I learned a great deal from.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Sorry guys. The warm fuzzy deathbed schtick is good on a Hallmark card. If you don’t have a livelihood, you won’t find happiness living in a cardboard box under an overpass. It’s the world we live in. Like ckelly above, having resources and a nest egg are simply necessities to relieve stress and enjoy life. Work hard. Be responsible. Save your money. Enjoy the journey.

This.

We all dream or fantasize about what we would do if we won the lottery. I have never spent a penny on a lottery ticket so my odds are just a little tiny bit less to win.

Happiness for me is a wife I love and that loves me. A comfortable home and nice possessions.

I look at the prices of a new 911 Turbo S and wonder how much money one has to have to make it seem logical to spend 225K or more on a car. I will never know personally. My business is growing and my commute to work is a 14 step stroll down the hall from kissing my wife good morning to my home office.

I am truly happy living in a paid for home, no debt of any sort except the forever costs like insurance, taxes and utilities. I really have no interest in moving into some bigger house or buying more cars. If I see a gizmo or gadget I want, I get it.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Drbraunsr

Seeing Christmas lights thru the eyes of your 2-1/2 year old grandson, while carrying him down a "CandyCane Lane" decorated street. I was gifted with a glimpse of Christmas again...

"Teach us to delight in simple things" - Rudyard Kipling
Finding joy in your everyday interactions and life in general. Everything else is just background noise.

[targa911S]

not having to get up in the middle of the night to piss.

[wswartzwel]

A really good post in PPOT that results in coffee on the keyboard.

[livi]

The Absence of Unhappiness.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by targa911S

not having to get up in the middle of the night to piss.

being able to get up in the middle of the night to piss

[Tidybuoy]

Winning the PCA Fall Raffle. I can't wait!

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by KC911

being able to get up in the middle of the night to piss

Yep, being healthy enough to get up and move around pain free is a big part of it. When I had a hip replacement it sucked to have to use a bed pan in the hospital, and later to use a walker to get to the bathroom. No doubt getting the hip replacement was one of the smart thing I did and the stupid thing I did was delay the operation.

So happiness is being able to have a hip replacement and not have pain afterward. I live in a place and time where I can get it done, and pay for it with no real financial burden at all.

[vash]

Originally Posted by livi

The Absence of Unhappiness.

mind blown......

[Por_sha911]

I have often said that "Money doesn't buy happiness but you won't find many deliriously happy broke people". That said, having more than you need does remove one stressor but will not give happiness.

I think the better question is not about attaining happiness but rather PEACE.
Happiness comes and goes with circumstances. Genuine peace of mind, body and spiritually is lasting and more valuable. You ain't getting that with your car, cuban cigar, or latest trophy wife.

[NY65912]

My grandchildren

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I know it does not involve a 928.

The good news is that there are 928s in heaven.

The bad news is that they are also in hell.


The biggest problem 928s had was that being able to work on a Volkswagen Beetle did not qualify you to work on a 928. Compared to modern cars they are straightforward and simple.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Gaining enough perspective to appreciate the problems that you don't have, and the blessings that you do have.

This! There are millions (maybe billions) of people on this planet that don't have the basic necessities... the irony is many of them are happier that the wealthy.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by vash

mind blown......

poof! gone