"The most fortunate of those who have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder and even ecstasy."

Sometimes I find myself getting in a mood of wanting things.  Wanting things I don't need.  I will catch myself browsing the internet wishing I had this, and wishing I had that.  I'm not a materialistic person, but my Dad use to always joke that I have an expensive radar.   You could line up a row of dresses that all look very similar (without a price tag showing) and I will almost always be drawn to the most expensive dress.  It's a curse!  It is true, I probably do like some of the "finer" things in life, but I know that I don't need them.  And, what I have and don't have does not define my happiness.

This past year the way I have lived and been able to spend has changed a lot.  I was never spoiled.  But, I also never had to necessarily watch so much how I spent my money.  At the end of the month if I ran out of my money, my parents never came to the rescue, but they also gave me enough money where I could splurge on  a cup of coffee (or two) and maybe even an outfit every now and then.  I'm now a proud bargain hunter at the grocery store who will buy the Kroger $1 pizza to save money, even if it means an upset stomach after dinner.   

I think that it has been a blessing in disguise to have to watch my money so closely.  I appreciate the times now when I have a little extra to go out with my girlfriends; or when I have a little extra money for a new shirt.  But, more importantly, I have learned how to live within my means and be happy.  I think that we live in a culture where we are always wanting more.  Consumerism has taught us to be conditioned that way.  If you have worked hard, and you earned the money to buy the things that you want, then it's wonderful.  Go and buy to your hearts desires. But I think its important to remember as your move your way through life and up the job ladder, that the more we accumulate does not equate to more happiness.  In fact, sometimes the more we get the more unhappy we are, because we start to depend on "things" for happiness.  I would rather live in a cozy home and spend money on traveling and experiencing and seeing different things in life, then spend the extra money on cars, a home too big for my family, etc.

I think one of the keys to happiness is to be thankful for what you have.  Work hard and play hard if you can.  But, remember the importance of living within your means.  Happiness does not equate to the things that we accumulate in this life, but my the experiences we have, the sights we see, and the relationships we develop.  I do believe in rewarding yourself if you have earned it, and you can afford it.  But I think that you have to find a balance.  And when I get in the mood of "more, more, more" I sit back and instead, count my blessings.  The happiest people in life are not rich in things, but rich in a love for life.