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.