Comments on: What Makes People Happy?

By: 8 Financial Myths to Discuss with Your Kids | Redeeming Riches

8 Financial Myths to Discuss with Your Kids | Redeeming Riches — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:10:18 +0000

[...] from Jason: This is a good point. Money can buy happiness up to a certain point, but just remember, it is not the ultimate in terms of providing deep-lasting [...]

By: oyvind

oyvind — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:16:06 +0000

I highly agree with Venessa. As a christian I believe that following the christian values is what will make you happy. To become/be happy I think it is important that you do not take yourself to seriously, that is you shouldn’t be afraid to do mistakes, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to be right. You shouldn’t be afraid to show your weakness, but not your strength either. I believe that all people have both strengths and weaknesses, but we are are all loved by God even though we are not perfect or even close to perfect. We do mistakes and we have we weak points. But if we aren’t afraid to show our weak points, we accept ourselves and in this way we also accept other peoples imperfections and other people will love us for this and they will start to act in the same way.

I also think it is important to strive to be better, but one shouldn’t be afraid to do mistakes in doing it. You actually learn more from mistakes and you show that you are human, that is not perfect.

If you can love yourself with your imperfections then you can also love others people despite their imperfections.

In essense, not beeing to self-critical, trying to help/love other people and yourself in the same way. trying to improve your self and other people.

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:27:58 +0000

I completely agree. For so long I searched for external things to find happiness. I needed to have a dog, then a nice car, a big house, an attractive boyfriend, a thin waist, lots of friends, and as time went on the search for happiness, the ‘thing’ i needed changed. Fortunately I recently realized that if i continued this pursuit of searching for happiness through the accumulation of things or preset standards, I would never find it. I had to reset my mind, stop trying to make something of myself and create a false reality to impress others or maybe just myself?…Instead I became happy. I am happy because it makes other people happy. I am happy because that is the only way I can begin to make a difference in other peoples lives. I choose to be happy because i want other people to be happy.

By: Friday Links - Canadian Finance Blog

Friday Links - Canadian Finance Blog — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:02:17 +0000

[...] Redeeming Riches asks, what makes people happy? [...]

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:43:30 +0000

@ Eric – Good point about touching others’ lives thru service. In fact, it was Jesus himself who said he didn’t come to be served, but rather to serve and He showed us the ultimate act of service by giving His life that we may have eternal life.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..The Most Costly $7,500 Ever Made – What Would You Do For Money? =-.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:41:04 +0000

@ Ashley – I’m so glad you made that point. I was hoping someone would bring that up – when I say quality of relationships, as a Christian, I mean my first and foremost relationship is with Jesus Christ.

That relationship is primary and as Joe says, seeking God will result in getting happiness as a by-product. Seeking happiness itself will lead to disappointment.

Great points guys!

By: Eric Poulin

Eric Poulin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:11:12 +0000

I’ve come to believe through life experiences that true, lasting happiness cannot be obtained by work, marriage, children, or any other thing. Happiness and satisfaction comes from devoting yourself to a cause greater than your own desires. Perhaps its to God, perhaps to your family, or a cause you really believe in, or whatever. If you devote yourself to something worthwhile and sacrifice your time towards furthering that cause, happiness will be yours.
In short, I like the quote “Forget yourself and go to work [for a good cause]“. Whenever I’ve been truly happy in life, its never been alone, its always been through touching other peoples’ lives through some form of service.
.-= Eric Poulin´s last blog ..Money Lessons Learned: Kids Allowance =-.

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:24:27 +0000

Jason,
Thanks for addressing a topic that is so relevant. When we look around us, we see people who seemingly have it made, but are not happy. Why? Because happiness cannot be found by seeking it; it is a by product of seeking God. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all of these things will be added to you.”

I think happiness is one of “these things” that are added.
.-= Joe Plemon´s last blog ..How to Work Out Settlements With Collectors =-.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:31:45 +0000

Jason, I mostly agree with what you’ve said! However I think the true happiness starts with God and yourself. Until you have reached happiness with those things it’s almost impossible to be happy with others.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:49:03 +0000

@Monevator – thanks for your comment! It is interesting that it doesn’t take an enormous salary to make us happy like many would think. After basic needs are met the ratio of happiness to money lowers quite a bit and at some point the more money you have actually can make you less happy.