HAPPINESS: MONEY

Introduction

Pursuing money falls is generally driven by one of two motivations; to satisfy material wants or as a function of fears and anxieties. Its true that money can buy many "things," that give us pleasure, but it does not buy happiness. I have to admit that I have always declared that I would rather be rich and unhappy than poor and happy. Today, I’m not so sure about that.

Money is neutral; it is not good, nor is it bad. Difficulties are not created by money itself, but by our beliefs and attitudes about it. Money is simply a tool with which each individual can choose how to use. There are many destructive beliefs surrounding money. It is often seen as a measure of ones worth, as a source of power over others. There are many who automatically despise others that have lots of money, regardless of what personal attributes the person of wealth possesses. It is used to bribe, to corrupt, to control.

It is often quite revealing to soul search your own commitments and aversions towards achieving wealth. If you think having a lot of money will remove all stress from your life, you are in for a disappointment. For many, the stress surrounding the fear of losing their wealth is far more potent than the stress of achieving wealth. Wealth can also serve to blur ones perception of self worth by the self doubt that creeps in to determining whether the motivation behind others attempting to build a friendship with you are based on you as a person, or because you have money.

Just like learning to flow with ones natural sexuality; money often comes as the natural by-product of pursuing our life goals.

So now that we have dealt with the stresses of expectations, sex and money, lets take a look at the role of stress in our lives, and how to deal with unhealthy levels of stress.

Next Page: Understanding Stress