Beyond the Currency of Joy - The Money and Happiness Connection

Disclaimer: The following reflections represent my personal thoughts and do not impose any opinions or beliefs on others and do not represent anyone else.

Exploring the Real Link Between Wealth and Happiness

Have you ever pondered the source of the exclamation, 'Ooo, I love my life'? It's wonderful that you feel such affection for your life, as it should be. But, it's crucial to know why. What makes you love your life? Is money the main thing, with all its glamour and comfort? Perhaps it stems from exploring new places and meeting people, activities often requiring financial support. Maybe it's about spending time alone and taking care of yourself. Is it the joy your kids bring, or being close to family? Does your job and its brand name make you love life, or is it the simplicity without any frills? I guess it's a bit of everything, and the connection between money and happiness is more intricate than we might initially perceive.

I believe loving life isn't just about thanking God for strength in tough times—it's about seeing the amazing moments life throws at you and choosing which ones to celebrate. I remember feeling it every day as a kid, saying, "I so love my life!" I came from a modest background; my father worked tirelessly to support us. I witnessed my parents facing challenges, yet it never diminished my love for life. Life happened, and I realized it's not always easy. Obstacles appeared as significant hurdles that needed solving to restore the greatness of life—whether it involved education, employment, the welfare of my parents, or discovering the right companions. Looking back, challenges that seemed impossible were what life is all about, and now they seem small compared to the good times. Why didn't I realize that back then? Presently, as a mother of two delightful kids and a supportive husband, I may have countless concerns, yet I find much more happiness. Once again, I opt to express, 'I love my life,' and I am ready to face any challenge that life presents with a smile. However, I don't think it's a universal experience. For many individuals, happiness is synonymous with money. The greater the balance in your bank account, the more happiness seems to multiply.

In Dubai, we were persuaded that the perfect life revolved around wealth, ease, opulence, towering buildings, flashy cars, and constant assistance. It's common there to hear people extol the virtues of their lives due to the luxury and comfort they enjoy. However, I've observed a subtle but toxic competitiveness among them, each striving to outdo the other on various occasions. Regrettably, this dynamic has led some individuals to experience heightened anxiety and loneliness. Eventually, we felt the nauseating realization of equating happiness with materialistic fixations. Fortunately, rationality took over, prompting us to distance ourselves from such toxicity in pursuit of an authentic, simpler and genuinely happier life. This prompts the question: 'Is there a genuine connection between increased wealth and amplified happiness?'

Think about a teen meeting their crush and realizing the feelings are mutual—that's a burst of 'I love my life.' Or my neighbor in his 30s, never missing a chance to explore new countries—that's an adrenaline rush of 'I love my life.' An employee excelling in sales, closing deals after months of hard work—that's an achievement of 'I love my life.' An old man retiring, returning to his village to be with family and fixing up his home—that's happily reliving 'I love my life.' Even homemakers, toiling away without acknowledgment, still discover joy in their roles and proudly declare, 'I love my life.' Do all these individuals find motivation to love life beyond the sole consideration of money? How can we encourage more people to cherish their lives? Isn't gratitude for a healthy heart, loving family and friends, enriching travels and experiences, reliable relationships, fulfilling jobs, and more reason enough for a life filled with love? Without passing judgment, could it be that the 'I love my life' sentiment is driven not solely by money but by various aspects?

Conversely, I also contemplate those who might challenge my perspective. If money weren't a determining factor, could the poor and those facing financial difficulties still love their lives? Do the chronically depressed and medically ill find love for their lives, considering the challenges they face in accessing treatment or meeting basic needs without sufficient funds? Somehow, the conversation often circles back to money, despite our attempts to sidestep that word.

So, is money the only reason to love your life?