Giving it All Away, for Happiness!

This amazing story just jumped out at me from Yahoo tonight and I think: what insight into the real happiness boosters in life. This millionaire made money, built a life from scratch, thinking all along that wealth would bring him happiness. Instead of that, it made him less happy so he's giving all his cash away, moving to a simpler house, a life less encumbered by material things. 

Makes sense. all the studies in the world back up the fact that wealth, fame, glamour and "stuff" dont make you happy. what does? People. relationships. meaningful connections to community and your world. So whether you're a member of a team or a church, an office that feels like family or a large extended family of friends. Whether you have many siblings or few, whether married or have kids or not, it's the quality of those ties that bring you joy. More than healthy living habits your relationships (when happy and strong) are predictors of longevity and last health.

So I say: be generous. Give things away and mostly give of yourself. Make yourself available and make connections. It's what will make you feel rich, in your heart ... swollen with love and joy. It's all that matters. 

It's also a lasting legacy, more than a plaque on a building with your name on it. Your impact on others is what lasts and what stays behind after you've gone. be rich in friends, not by asking and taking but by giving and lending... yourself. 

I'm working on this. Always. 

 http://neatorama.cachefly.net/money-happiness.htm