Buy Happiness?
Here’s one of the common motivational theories that we will put to the test. Can you buy happiness? If you had the money, will splurging on that new car, house, outfit, diamond bracelet or anything else of material nature bring happiness to you?
Another way of asking this question is whether being rich will automatically make you a happy person? Will being able to jet set around the world and ride around in limos make you happy?
With the much publicized cases of many rich and famous people who fell from grace like Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears and others, it seems that the answer whether we can buy happiness simply with our money is a huge ‘NO’. All the motivational theories in the world point to the suggestion that happiness must come from INSIDE yourself rather than through material possessions like cars or jewellery.
One Exception To Motivational Theories
However, I would like to offer one exception to the general motivational theories about money and happiness. I think that this one exception is often overlooked but at the same time, once I explain it, I think many people out there will be able to relate to it.
On a full page in a puppy care guide I have at home, there’s this big photo of this really cute Labrador puppy. Below it is a caption that reads,
“Whoever thought that you can’t buy happiness, doesn’t know about puppies”
Well, I bet that anybody who sees that page will be smiling from ear to ear and if that person happens to be a dog owner, he or she will be nodding in agreement as well. I know that I surely was since I’ve been a dog owner since 1979.
Dogs Can Be A Real Factor In Happiness
In my case, my two dogs and I were out in one of our local leash-free dog parks where dogs get to run around freely without their leashes on. Usually what happens at these dog parks is that all of the dogs are interacting with each other while the dog owners stand around being entertained by our dogs’ various antics.
The dog owners are like proud parents and I can say that when we are at the dog park, the entire world just shuts out on us. Any problems in life do not exist while we are at the dog park. It’s a VERY happy place to be.
After we get home, I would usually be catching up on the evening news on TV (great for getting future blog topics). When I’m sitting on my couch, one of my two dogs would usually climb on up and rest his or her chin on me, sometimes while looking right at me as if to say,
“Thanks for taking us to the dog park today Daddy. We had lots of fun. We love you!”
Again, a very happy moment for both the dog owner and the dog. I’m sure that all dog owners out there will relate to this moment as there are probably countless similar moments experienced all over the world between humans and their beloved dogs (and perhaps with other pets as well).
So that’s why I claim that with dogs and maybe other pets that humans are able to bond with, it IS possible to buy happiness. In fact, the price paid for a puppy as well as the ongoing care for it is one of the best bargains in the world. The value and happiness you can get from this type of investment is priceless.
On that note, if you are thinking of getting a puppy, PLEASE do the right thing and educate yourself on the realities of dog care first. We don’t want to have anymore unwanted pets abandoned at the animal shelters because first time owners were not able to properly care for and train their new pets. It’s not fair to the animals.
To help you on this education, I have a free basic dog training video that you can access if this dog ownership is in the plans for you.
If you can relate to what I’m saying here about happiness, please comment below to share your feelings on this as well.
I think it’s important to point out that rather than just educating yourself on puppy care to keep dogs out of the shelters – you can also go to the shelter and rescue one of those unwanted puppies. Perhaps “You can’t buy happiness, but you can adopt it?”
Excellent point Nona!
I have adopted shelter cats since 1990s. My last cat was a stray I took in, found under a porch, near starved to death. Animals, are the purest form of happiness. I have three very spoiled cats, and I think my husband and I are the lucky ones to have such great cats. I think they will be a little jealous when our granddaughter gets here, but perhaps they will adapt well!
Yes, I do agree that animals are the purest form of happiness!