Wealth and the secret of happiness

Happiness is a personal journey, but when you watch television you would think that the good life is a new car, body fat, or winning the lottery. If you were to look at polls, most American's say more money would make them happier. But what if you were to look into what really gives you joy?

You may wonder ... what really makes me feel good inside? And 'what the American dream promises? Individual wealth? Money can buy happiness? Some of you probably say yes. Some might think there is a connection between more wealth and happy feeling, a premise that many scholars have called the "cycle of work and spend" - to work harder to buy more. According to a Gallup poll, four out of five people who earn more than $ 75,000 a year say they would be richer.

But, no longer rich really bring permanent changes in your general level of happiness? It 'really lead to the consistent level of joy we all desperately trying to reach. It means to be wealthy to do for the well-being? The rich at some point they are happier, especially in poor countries like India, to stay well out of a sense of well-being improves. But if you were to look in society "richer", more money does not necessarily mean more happiness or welfare. More money often results in diminishing returns.

David Lykken observes in his study of happiness, "People who go to work in their overalls and on the bus are just as happy on average as those in suits who drive to work in his Mercedes." So what is the end result of all this? Since 1950 we have become twice as rich as a nation and not be happier. The divorce rate has doubled, teen suicide rate has more than doubled, and teenagers are increasingly troubled with depression.

Social psychologist David Myersthe calls this the American paradox. He says, "More than ever, we at the end of the last century there have been found with large houses and broken homes, high incomes and low morale, secured rights and civilization declined. We were excelling at making a living, but too often do not make a life. We celebrated our prosperity but yearned for purpose. We love our freedom, but the link you want. In an age of abundance, we were feeling spiritual hunger. "

So what can we do individually? If being surrounded by the trappings of wealth, or lack thereof, ultimately, it makes us feel happy then what will? Those things that make life truly as good as the close relations, showing gratitude and appreciation to hear what they already have achieved in life is a good start. If material wealth is not the most important ingredient for a happy life, what is? The research has provided the following three suggestions:

1. Positive, people who are optimistic, kind, forgiving, and grateful tend to have a great variety of experiences happy and happy lives.
2. Being in the Flow - the activities of work and leisure that engage individuals tend ability to lead a happier life. The area that lies between the stress of boredom and apathy, is an area in which people experience being in the flow ... a good mental state, absorbed in an activity, they lose consciousness of self and time.
3. Close Relationships - We all have a deep need to belong. People who are supported by close friendships or a committed relationship are more likely to declare themselves "very happy".

Ultimately, if you want to be happy, then recognize that happiness is a product of thinking and behaving and not your finances. The choice to focus on what you want in life and at the same time to be thankful and appreciate what is already a good start. We are the captains of our ship. We write the book that is our life. Fire to make it happen .......