Funding Happiness
I’ve come to realise that you do, in fact, need money to be happy. Let’s put some context to that statement. First, we live in a predominantly capitalistic world. Second, the majority of the human population will never achieve nirvana or the zen state of eternal happiness. We’re all too weak and lazy to even move towards that mindset.
I’m sure some of the things that I will share with you can be done with zero income as well but adding some sprinkle on top of it might make it worth a whole lot more. For some context, I’m very close to receiving my very first paycheck and making people around me happy is an important part of my life. So this is the special list I’m giving out to the world for free.Memory Funding
“You told me you wanted this so I got this for you.”
Memory Funding has less to do with money and more to do with the intention. You are actually listening to what someone is saying. You are extracting the important bits. And then you are storing them in a part of the brain for immediate recovery. You are prioritising someone over your time, your work and essentially yourself. You are giving them permanent space in your head.
It has nothing to do with the amount you spend because this is usually the small thing that you’ll have to pick out. Be considerate and thoughtful. Don’t get someone a book if they hate reading. My mother likes wafers so I’ll occasionally get her wafers. If my significant other is craving chocolate, I’d get her one on my way back from work. It’s the little things that count.
Balloon Events
“Happy birthday!”, “Happy anniversary!”, “Happy something!”
It’s time to add some embellishment to those yearly events; the birthday parties, the anniversaries and memorable events that make up your day. Once again, this has more to do with the intention and not the amount of money you put in. It’s about putting the other person first and making them truly happy.
Get them their favourite cake. Invite family and friends. Fill that entire day with things they love. Take them out for dinner and get them a precious gift. But once again, remember what they like and want. Make this day special for them. And now that you have the money to fund it, you can go the extra mile and get the cherry on top.
Hand-Made
“I made this myself, for you.”
I’m sure you would’ve understood by now that the money will be used to only fund the DIY project. The whole project will be yours and you will need to get your hands dirty. Of course, you can buy something from the shelf now that you’re rich but putting in your time and energy will make this super special for the person receiving it.
Some DIY ideas really need a lot of things to be made and if you’re doing this for the first time, you’ll definitely need to stock in on some essentials. You could be painting something or you could maybe make them something handy. Maybe you can knit or sew so use that skill. Do something that uses your talents to create something unique for them.
Escape Plan
“Man, I really wanna take a break and breathe that mountain air.”
Okay, maybe this time you can fund your own happiness. Or if you’re generous, you could sponsor someone (your wife, if you’re married) to travel with you. Travelling has to be the best thing you can do. It lets you escape the mundane life of the concrete jungle. It allows you really feel nature at its home.
Adventurous trips become a core memory for you when you share them with someone else. You travel through a series of days together. You live in completely uncharted territories. You go through adversities together. This bonds you closer and makes your relationship stronger. The happiness your both share will extrapolate through the roof.
Sainthood
“Hey, can you help me out with this little problem?”
Learn to be selfless and generous. Your money won’t be here forever. You won’t take it to the grave with you. Help out a friend in need. Maybe they’re late on rent; maybe another one needs cash for their car’s down payment. It could be anything. Help them out and be the bigger man.
Here’s the catch though: do not expect anything back in return. If you do that, it will ruin your relationship. Think of this as charity work. If someone pays back, that’s amazing. But if someone doesn’t, don’t let it destroy your peace. Always remember, with great power (money), comes great responsibility.
“Happiness is only real when shared” — Chris McCandless
It’s important to understand that sharing is the crux of happiness. We’re all social animals; we need people around us. No one will be happy when they’re a billionaire at eighty but they’ll be alone in that huge mansion. Learn to give out and use your income for good; not all of it, obviously. But put out a little segment aside to add a little shine to the lives around you.
