The quick answer is: absolutely not! The other quick answer is: Hell yes!
I live my life from the seat of a wheelchair. If money could provide a cure and allow me to walk, then I would be happy. Ergo, money bought my happiness. I am not a cheap date.
Money provides clothing, shelter and food. That contributes to happiness. But happiness is not solely dependent on financial stability. It is more personal, more complicated than mere dollars and cents. A great many wealthy people are not happy and a great number of poor people are. Their secret? I wish I knew. But I think it has something to do with integrity. Yes, I live my life from the seat of a wheelchair but I’m also happy. I am not fabulously wealthy but I am comfortable financially. I’m able to afford rent, food, clothing. My needs are met. But I also have something else in my life that contributes to my happiness: I have friends.
There is no algorithm no mathematical formula that shows you how to maintain happiness. It is a complex combination of oneself and what is around one. Friends, environment, self-worth, all of these contribute to the blissful state of happy. And even that simple state it’s not so simple.
As many words as there are to describe a state of happiness, there are that many levels of being happy. One can be ecstatically happy, blissfully happy, mildly content; the list is endless but what is the same in each case is that it is the mind that dictates the level. Think back to that first feeling of happiness at the beginning of a love connection. The fluttering behind your heart, the butterflies in your stomach, the blush of heat that goes through your head and shoulders at the thought of someone you love. It is your brain that is controlling that response.
So then I guess money really can’t buy happiness but it can contribute to the circumstances that allow you to feel happy. Something you have to get your brain around. After all, it is in charge.
Butterfly Sand 
A wise man once told me, “we are each responsible for our own happiness.” It took me a long time to understand what he meant and why he shared that with me. I don’t think money can buy the happiness you describe, Pam. I think that takes people. Thanks for adding to my happiness.
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The pleasure is all mine my friend. It’s where I get my happiness.
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Your last paragraph says it all Pam. Being happy isn’t rare, but it can be very fleeting. That’s what makes feeling happy so precious. And like anything worthwhile, we have to work at it every day by our own actions. I’ve found that making someone else happy makes me really happy! Perfect.
Ginger
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Well said Ginger. You are right, one of the paths to happiness is to help others. More people should realize this. We would live in a different world.
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A great post dear lady, and wise words above from Dan. I thought I had my little ‘happy’ kingdom with a wife, children, house and reasonably well off…but the day I saw what I had never allowed myself to, I could finally see that I wasn’t happy at all. Each mountain we climb had a different and lovely view…but it never holds its place in our hearts. It isn’t until we break through that doubt of self that we will see for the first time what we actually are, and as that knowledge and understanding opens a light into that darkness, that doubt falls away and is replaced by a rarity in life. A true love and happiness we have always sought but never allowed in. We never allowed it to because we didn’t believe in us, dared not fight its weight that had ever stooped our journey. But one day in the mirror of life something will catch our eye and a hope will be born. And at its end a happiness beyond words ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
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Recognizing that happiness is often very difficult to do. Some never find it and some lose it. Thank you for sharing your journey.
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No way. My hubby just passed away, and all the money in the world won’t bring him back.
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You are right. And I am so sorry for your loss. The one thing you will hopefully never lose are your memories of your time together. And they are priceless.
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They certainly are, but can’t go there yet, because I burst into tears.
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Money definitely cannot buy you happiness (but can at least make you comfortable in your misery). And finding happiness when you are in dire straights definitely makes it easier to get through it all. Like you, friends make a whole lot of difference…
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Pam, you’re a wise and amazing woman. I cherish your friendship. And I feel rich with blessings. 🤗💜
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Thank you dear friend. I feel the same way about you.
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💛🌸
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Money can bring us to the edge of happiness. It is your wit, your spirit, and your excitement with life that carry you over the edge into happiness. Some of us refuse to be held back. And more importantly are determined to share. Keep excited and carry on…
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The sharing part is the most important I think.
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Just beautiful. Straight from the heart. Words of wisdom. Thank you, Pam.
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I am so pleased you like it Jennie.
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😀
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It definitely eases the pressure.
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It has its place.
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A very wise discussion of happiness, Pamela. I agree with your conclusion.
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Thank you John.
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Watching some documentaries about the ‘have-nots.’ I recall the joy on the face of a young man in India given a tiny square, earth-floored room to sleep in – which he had to share with three other young men. He had slept rough for a long time and his happiness had me in tears. It sounds a cliche, but we really are lucky if we have a roof, food and clothing…(Being in the Western world, I’m greedier than that…but I feel guilty if I have too much.) Most of my joy comes from husband,. family, friends and nature. Oh, and writing! And the odd square of dark chocolate..Hugs x. .
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Happiness is a concept that is both so simple and so complex.
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Money is part of the bigger picture ..but with a touch of this and a touch of that and doing a kind deed as often as we can we can be happy 🙂
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Money has its place but it’s not the most important thing in the world.
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Wonderful thoughts Pam!
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Thank you Nico.
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What a great post! Such a complex issue. I’ve always said I don’t need to be rich, but I’d like to earn enough to pay all my expenses without worry. However, without great people in my life and somewhere safe to call home, I couldn’t be happy even with money!
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Thank you. I don’t think money can buy true happiness but it can contribute.
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