Who said you can't buy happiness? Turns out you can splurge on experiences instead of more stuff. Studies show that people who spend more of their discretionary income on interesting experiences rather than material things tend to be happier in the long run.


To much stuff, especially the expensive kind like extravagant houses, pricey motor vehicles, excessive wardrobes and jewelry, etc., not only ensures that you have to put in the long hours at work to pay off those bills, but also turns your free time into more work time - as a maintenance man/woman cleaning, fixing,protecting, worrying about and insuring all those superfluous belongings.


If you aren't careful, the materialistic frenzy created by American-style capitalism can lead you down a path where you find yourself feeling as though your possessions possess you, rather than the other way round.


Most of us already have more than enough stuff. Greed, envy and conspicuous consumption are a waste of time and energy. Forget about keeping up with the Joneses unless they just passed you on a hiking trail.


I think we might all benefit from spending more of our time and money on experiences that make us happy, like fun vacations, a delicious and healthy meal out, music and concerts, exercise and fitness pursuits or having a massage...ooooh yeaaaaaa!


Investing our time and energy into our experiences, particularly those we can enjoy with our family and friends, is much more likely to enhance our lives in the long run than, say, another car.


Of course not all the stuff you would buy is bad for you; a lovable dog, flowers for your sweetheart, comfortable walking shoes are just a few notable exceptions. Nor are all experiences you might choose to spend your money on (think cigarettes, video games, drugs...) good for your long-term health and happiness.


Still, I try to remind myself that the consumerism promoted by 21st century life can sometimes turn into more of a shackle than a blessing. In my opinion, life is to short to drink bad wine, eat trashy food and spend all my precious free time taking care of and worrying about stuff I don't really need. What about you?

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