Saturday, June 11, 2016

Happiness

My grandma used to say if you have to cross the street for happiness, you've gone to far.
Similarly, she'd remind me often that money cannot buy happiness.
I know that my grandma was a very positive person—and I trust that she honestly believed that money would not add value to the quality of her life;
Still, I can only imagine how excited she would have been to be able to afford a fancy streak house dinner from time to time.
As I continue to explore my personal happiness, I question what motivates me.
I am a performer; an artist who is used to struggling—never entirely certain where my next job will be, or how much it will pay.
Now that I'm more established, I have more opportunities and financial independence—and I must admit, it's nice to have a refrigerator stocked with food, instead of cabinets full of Top Ramen. So in that regard, money has provided happiness.
Equally, I enjoy going to movies, wearing nice clothing, and traveling—all things that require money. However, I get to pursue my passion and earn a living.
I'm not sure that I would appreciate any of the fancy-pants lifestyle choices I make, if I were forced to take a job I loathed.
Moreover, I believe that if I lost every material procession, I would still go out of my way to find happiness; however insignificant it might seem.
So my conclusion (at least in this moment) is that I appreciate the things that money can bring—but I find joy in the fact that I continue to seek peace and gratitude in the relationships and opportunities I'm blessed with.

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