Enough is as good as a feast.
I often repeat this. It’s a saying I learned from the source of all great wisdom—a fortune cookie—and I’ve been reminding myself of it this week as we sort through some unexpected bills, some school challenges, and a golf score that is well, way above par.
We don’t need A’s every time, Cs are enough to pass. We don’t need billions, as long as we have enough to cover the basics. And that extra piece of pizza? Two is enough. I don’t need more.
But we get caught up in the As and the extras and the money. Would more money make us happier? Yes, to a point, according to research that I cite in this week’s episode of the Polly Campbell Simply Said podcast.
If we are constantly stressed about food, water, shelter, and covering our other basic needs—and many people are now—we are at higher risk of depression. It’s impossible to do anything else until those needs are met.
If we have more money, we have more freedom. Time to do other things and invest in the self-care practices that ultimately help us relax, feel better, and experience more happiness.
But more than enough doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness. It all depends on the meaning we ascribe to our experiences. And it isn’t the amount of money we have, but how we spend it that increases our health and happiness.
Want a rich life?
Here are some ways to get there.
Foster connections. Research shows that it’s the relationships people value more than fame and wealth at the ends of their life. And, strong connections buffer us against mental illness.
Buy experiences. Using your resources for an adventure—like hiking a scenic trail, trying out a kayak, taking in a gallery exhibit, or concert, or enjoying dinner at that new neighborhood restaurant is going to boost your mood more than a new pair of shoes.
Spend money on others. People are hurting. If you have some funds to spare, give to people and causes that you care about. Generosity eases stress and builds connection, appreciation, and meaning—all things that contribute to our happiness.
Purchase novelty. Whether it’s expensive or not, doing new things helps create diverse experiences that contribute to a sense of satisfaction and richness in life. You can do this for free or at little expense. Walk home a new way, eat a sack lunch at work while sitting in a different place. Or, if you have money to spend, take a rocket ride. I hear SpaceX is taking reservations.
Once we have our basic needs met, and this is no small thing, it’s not the money that matters as much as the ways we spend it. When we help others and use our resources to create interesting experiences or opportunities to have time with people we love, we are also creating a more meaningful life. In the long run that will make us happier too.
Be well and do well this week.
-p
Yes, And…
Last year I spent about $30 to rent a kayak and paddle down the Willamette River. It was something I’d always wanted to do but felt awkward about because helllooo, climbing into a kayak is not the easiest thing. But I learned how and had so much fun. Still talking about it, obviously. Also, rented from a nonprofit river preservation advocacy group Tualatin Riverkeepers so our fees went to support their efforts and protect our rivers. That was a nice side-benefit.
There are tons of free and affordable ways to bring both novelty and meaningful experiences into our lives. We just need to be creative and go looking for them.
Yes And…
I’m in Oregon and there are many local organizations doing good work supporting families here. If you are looking to give, start here. And thanks to community activist Jen Fife-Adams for connecting me to these groups.
Community Action: Their mission is to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. https://caowash.org/
Planting Seeds: Supporting Beaverton children and newcomer families through community fundraising and food and resource drives and service-learning projects. https://www.plantingseedscommunity.org/
HomePlate Youth Services is Washington County’s only nonprofit provider of drop-in centers and street outreach for young people experiencing houselessness. https://www.homeplateyouth.org/
Yes, And…
Want to help out in your community? Check in with your school district or pull up your county website. Often they will list reputable organizations that help to feed, house, and employ people in your region. Or, find a national organization that manages their donated dollars wisely to help as many people as possible. Start with this list from Forbes Magazine that manages their donated dollars responsibly to help others.