Master Your Card

Right now has a lot of people feeling disappointed, discouraged, distraught, and a lot of other ‘dis-’ words that don’t make us feel good. Money is short, tempers are on edge, and it’s easy to forget what matters most in life. I came across an article recently that discussed 10 things we could do to feel rich in a down economy.

According to the author, we could:

1.) Cook dinner with loved ones

I invited some girl friends over for a movie night and we cooked dinner, had some drinks, and watched some sappy movies. It was a great time because we laughed the whole night. Spending time with friends relieves stress and there’s nothing better than spending the night laughing!

2.) Go to the park

Some friends and I went to the park recently and had a picnic; a real, old-fashioned picnic complete with the red and white checkered blanket. I think my friend said she found it at the Salvation Army and thought it would be fun. We ate, played Frisbee with the dogs, and had a good time. But it was something that cost very little and kept us from spending the day in front of the television or computer.

3.) Hug someone

Humans need the touch of others, it’s practically one of our basic needs on Maslow’s hierarchy. Give someone you love a big hug and see if it doesn’t make you both feel better…after the initial shock and recoil in surprise, that is. Yeah, hugging is becoming a lost form of art.

4.) Write a handwritten letter to someone

This isn’t just for loved ones, you know. I do this at work with my clients all the time. Taking the time to write someone a letter can go a long way, especially in a business relationship. But, to a loved one, it reminds them that you care. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a huge impact.

5.) Bake cookies

Hopefully we all have a very fond memory of helping our mothers bake cookies in anticipation of 1.) getting to eat some of the dough, and 2.) getting fresh cookies with milk. Stop and think about that memory and see if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face. Baking cookies and taking them to those you love is a great way to share the smile…and who doesn’t love cookies?

6.) Volunteer your time

Giving back to others is good for your soul. It reminds you how well you have it, and that no matter how bad things may seem for you, they can always get worse. A little perspective can go a long way.

7.) Enjoy the great outdoors

There is so much of the world to see. Maybe you don’t have the money to travel the world right now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to explore in your own backyard. Grab some friends and go hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or any other outdoor activity that moves you. Enjoy the fresh air and the company of others. A little sunlight is a good thing.

8.) Family time

Family is important and in order to maintain a strong bond, you have to spend time together! Plan activities that don’t involve running errands or doing chores. Have a night where you have dinner together and play games; watch a movie; or even bake cookies together. Whatever it is, try to keep it light and open. Spend as much time together as you can because you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

9.) Read a great book

Turn off the TV and take your mind on an adventure. Join a book club to interact with others who share your tastes. Volunteer to read to kids at the library or local book store. Reading is great for the imagination, helps build a strong vocabulary, and really makes for a great escape from the bustle of our lives.

10.) Watch a sunset or sunrise

I’d also include watching the moon and stars on a clear night. Watching any miracle of nature in this way is relaxing and makes you appreciate what you have. Sharing it with someone you love takes the experience to a whole new level.

If you notice, most of the things on this list deal with human contact in some form. In our every busy lives we can sometimes forget that which makes life important: the people we love and who love us. Not to get all sappy on you guys, but, seriously, can money buy happiness? I don’t think it can. Money can bring you material objects, fancy things and fine cars, certainly a grandeur lifestyle. But it can’t bring you REAL friends or buy you love. It can’t bring you the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve touched someone’s life in a truly profound way.

We all want money, actually I think it’s safe to say many of us would like to be financially secure for the rest of our lives. It’s not because we want all of the material things in life, but because we want to be able to spend more time with our family and friends. I think most of us here have the right of it, we worry over money not because we feel like we have to have more to be happy. Rather, we worry over money because it frees up time to do the things we like to do…and keeps a roof over our heads and food on the table.

I liked the article I read because it reminds me that, even though I’ve lost money recently, I haven’t lost what really enriches my life. My family and friends.

What are your thoughts? Can money buy happiness? What fulfills and motivates you every day?