We’ve all heard it, we’ve probably even said it, but this “money can’t buy happiness” needs to at least be put back into it’s original context if we’re going to insist on repeating it.
That little phrase that more often than not used to make ourselves (or other people) change their feelings around a financial decision, a missed opportunity, or even some financial frustration comes from an unlikely place. The phrase was originally used to encourage people who were already financially well-off to consider parting with some of their earnings to help the unfortunate. To say “money can’t buy happiness” would infer that happiness comes from good deeds and acts of service more than it does from the hoarding of wealth. Somewhere along the line, things got a little muddled.
In truth, studies have shown that if an individual were to make $75,000 annually, they could comfortably afford to be happy. That range seems to cap our around $95,000 annually, as similar studies have shown that people making over $105,000 had similar levels of happiness to those making $95,000.
Below these figures, where most of us reside, happiness can still be achieved of course, but not without the caveat of some level of financial stress or struggle. To be in the aforementioned income bracket would mean that care-free living would be attainable.
Money is energy, and frankly, you’re gonna need some. Wanting and working toward these things is not faux pas. Setting financial goals is excellent, and the stigma around money… how much you have… how much you need… how much your borrow… all that needs to stop in order for all of us to embrace life as we want to live it – easier said than done in a capitalist North America.
To flip that… Energy is currency, and the way we carry ourselves and what we invest our loving efforts into has value as well. I’m in no position to tell anyone how their life should be led, but I will say that any shame around our artistic endeavors shouldn’t have any more shame than our work schedules, which shouldn’t have any more shame than our family time, which shouldn’t have any more shame than our alone time. Every one of us is trying to balance life in the most fruitful way possible, and putting up a veneer of our hashtag-best-life is exhausting, and honestly is a distraction from what it’s really important.
There is no shame in your goals, whatever they may be.
Reaching those goals WILL require you to do something different than you’re doing right now, though… and change can be really uncomfortable, but discomfort is a catalyst for change. Pressure causes all manner of beauty, from wildflowers to thunderstorms, from diamonds to puppies… but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
Training this week has been a real trip. I can feel myself getting stronger. I’ve been really clamping down on my food intake as I’m trying to really optimize my body right now and I’m seeing some exciting changes. Race day is coming up quick and I’m feeling ready.
Today, I’m on the road, and I’m graced with the opportunity to traverse a different set of trails than my home town can offer me. I’m fortunate to be in a position to not have to travel to the next town tonight, as playing the same venue 2 nights in a row is a rare treat in this day & age.
As I post this, I am in Grande Prairie, AB and I’ll be performing at the Grande Yellowhead Casino with Robin Kelly. If you’re in the area, swing by tonight!
The Conscious Pilgrim 