When it comes to the question of can money buy happiness, most people would say yes. After all, money can provide security and comfort in our lives. But is that all there is to happiness--security and comfort? There are many other factors that contribute to our overall happiness too.
As I've discussed in previous Prosperity Matters posts, to me, prosperity isn't just about having material wealth. Prosperity includes good health, energy, vitality, loving relationships, and rewarding work. This leads me to believe that prosperity encompasses more than just money, and there is more to happiness than money.
So, can money buy happiness? The simple answer is yes--but money isn’t enough to make us happy on its own. We must also focus on other areas of our lives to create a sense of balance and well-being.
How does money buy happiness?
One way money “buys” happiness for me is by providing peace of mind that my bills will be paid. In many of my posts, I’ve talked about my debt and how I almost claimed bankruptcy. When I have steady income and money flowing into my bank account on a regular basis I'm not worrying about how I'm going to make my debt payments. This is a huge load off my mind. It's almost like it frees up space for me to think about other things--happier things.
Another way money can buy happiness is by giving us the opportunity to do things we enjoy. I love to learn new things. Money gives me the ability to purchase books and courses about all kinds of subjects I'm interested in.
While having money can't solve all our problems or make us happy all the time, it can certainly help improve our overall sense of well-being and provide us with opportunities to create happy memories. But there are also money happy memories to be made without the help of money. I can spend hours reading books and learning new things at the library and it's free!
How can you be happy when you feel like you don't have enough money?
I'm not going to lie--this can be a tough one. I've been there myself and when money is tight, it can feel pretty hopeless at times. The first thing I would suggest is getting rid of the belief that something is lacking. As I've mentioned in other posts, when we focus on something, it grows. You definitely don't want your lack of money to increase, so please let go of that belief right now!
Another suggestion is focusing on what you do have instead of what you don't have. Make a list of all the things in your life you're grateful for--even if they're small things. This will help shift your focus from a lack mentality to an abundance mentality which will open up new possibilities for you.
Remember to take care of yourself! When we're stressed out--about money or something else--our bodies and minds can't function at their best. Make sure to schedule some time for relaxing and fun activities that make you feel good. This can be anything from reading a book to going for a walk in nature.
How can you work towards having money AND happiness?
As with most goals, the first step is to get clear about what you want. You can have more money AND be happier. What can having more money do for you? Will it help you feel less stressed? Will it give you the opportunity to spend more time doing things you love?
Creating space for more money in your life can sometimes take time. The happiness part can happen a lot sooner. Start by making changes to your mindset. Do more of the things that make you happy. For now, focus on those things that don't cost money. This might involve spending more time with loved ones, taking up a new hobby, or volunteering for a cause you're passionate about.
You can absolutely have more money AND happiness in your life! It all starts with making a decision to create a change and taking action steps toward your goal. Remember, baby steps count too! Just keep moving forward and don't give up on yourself. You deserve to be happy and prosperous!
Affirmations
Affirmations can help you stay positive on your path to success. Here are some affirmations to help you attract more money and happiness into your life:
- I am worthy of happiness and prosperity.
- I am open to receiving abundance in all areas of my life.
- I release any beliefs that are holding me back from achieving my highest potential.
- I am grateful for everything I have in my life right now.
- I trust the Universe to provide for me in ways that are perfect for my highest good.
- I am confident and optimistic about my ability to create a life I love.
The more you use the affirmations that feel like a good fit for you, the more effective they are, so repeat them as often as you can.
Journal Prompts
Like using affirmations, journaling is a key tool in helping you change your mindset and your life. Here are some journal prompts to help you shift your focus from "Can money buy happiness?" to "How can I be happier now?"
What would having more money allow me to do?
Flip to a fresh page in your journal, and write about all those things you're dreaming of doing when you have more money. Get specific! Include as many details as possible.
Once you have your list, read it and determine if there are any things you can do right now to start feeling happier. Maybe there are free versions of the things you're dreaming of that you can do to satisfy yourself until you have more money.
How can I start shifting my focus from a lack mentality to an abundance mentality?
For this journal prompt, shift your focus from lack to abundance by practicing gratitude. Every day, write down a few things you're grateful for in your life--big or small. This will help train your brain to look for the good instead of dwelling on the negative.
When you start feeling down about your finances (or anything else), take a look at the list of things you’re grateful for. This can remind you of all the good in your life and redirect your focus back to what's important.
What are some things I can do today to make myself feel happier?
This journal prompt is proactive. Make a list of things you can do to make yourself feel happier. This can be anything from taking a break to watch your favorite show to walking your dog or playing with your kids. Once you have a list of all the things that make you happy, choose one thing from your list and do it!
In Conclusion
You don't have to wait to have more money before you start living a happy and prosperous life! By using affirmations and journal prompts, you can shift your focus and begin taking action steps toward your goal of attracting more money and happiness into your life.
Keep moving forward, and don't give up on yourself! Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy no matter what your circumstances are, and you deserve to be happy and prosperous!
Author bio: Michelle Cornish is the author of Prosperity Planner: Manage Your Personal Finances and Get Out of Debt, an undated planner where she shares more about her personal financial journey and her TREE Method for keeping her personal finances in check.
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