Kiran Athar
Life isn’t cheap – the rising cost of living is affecting most of us.
One thing it shouldn’t affect, though, is your happiness levels. Yes, we’re all living through stressful times, but there is still plenty to be enjoyed in the world that doesn’t require a hit on your finances.
It just takes thinking out of the box and getting a little bit creative. Mindset also helps, which I’ll discuss below.
So, here are 12 things that will make you truly happy in life that money can’t buy:
1) Time
Once a moment has passed, we can never get it back.
That’s why I admire people who choose to work less and earn less, but spend more time doing things they love. Like hanging out with their kids, or pursuing their passions.
Sure, they might have to make some financial sacrifices, but having time to do what you want in life is priceless.
After all, we weren’t born to work ourselves into the ground, pay bills, and die.
So, get creative. What can you give up to make more time in your life? And when you have that time, what will you spend it on?
The world is your oyster!
2) Freedom
Freedom is my favorite word. It’s one of my core values. Because no matter what, when you have freedom, you have the power of choice.
And when you have a choice, you can choose things that make you happy.
So whether it’s gaining freedom from an overbearing partner or parent, or from a demanding job that has no consideration for your needs or desires, do it.
Mine was leaving a religion and culture that dictated pretty much every part of my life. No money in the world would get me back to that lifestyle, because freedom tastes so damn good.
3) Good health
Never underestimate how much health is connected to happiness.
But okay, let’s not beat around the bush, money certainly helps when it comes to health. I mean, have you seen the cost of fruit these days? Healthcare? Dental care?
Yet, there are things you can do to keep good health that don’t cost a thing. Like exercising (and no, you don’t need a gym membership, YouTube is full of great workout videos).
Even when it comes to eating healthy, you can get creative. Watch a tutorial, learn how to build your own vegetable patch, and start from there.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
4) True love
True love is a happiness that money can’t buy.
Think back to when you were young and in love; you’d have 10 bucks between you but that didn’t matter. You’d share an ice cream. Spend all day chatting, hanging out, and having fun.
It was pure; untainted by bills, mortgages, and taxes.
Good news – love can still be that way. It just requires dedication and commitment.
5) Peace of mind
Inner peace can’t be bought.
Ever noticed how the super-rich or celebs still go through anxiety, depression, and high levels of stress? It’s proof that money doesn’t solve everything.
Instead, living a balanced life brings peace. Treating others well and living authentically brings calmness to the mind.
I made the decision years ago not to chase money but instead to aim for a peaceful life. I’ve kept my spending down and learned to appreciate the small things in life.
So, while I might not have a Ferrari sitting outside, I do go to sleep relaxed and happy every night, content with the little, simple life I’m building.
6) Purpose
Do you have a sense of purpose?
It’s okay if you don’t, but it might be worth thinking about it. Because this is another thing that will make you truly happy that money can’t buy.
You could be working in a high-paying job, and have big fancy cars, but if it feels meaningless, what’s the point?
Having a purpose provides a sense of direction and fulfillment. No money in the world can replace that feeling.
7) Confidence
Confidence brings about opportunities. And with opportunities comes happiness. You’re more likely to take risks and live without regrets.
And the good news is you don’t need money to build self-confidence, it comes from within.
Every new experience you try, every achievement and failure builds your self-esteem and confidence. And these things come from living real life, not from how much money you’ve got in the bank!
8) Gratitude
Being grateful for what you have doesn’t cost a thing, but man, it can improve your happiness levels tenfold.
I was reminded of this when I was younger. We went on a family holiday to Pakistan. I saw poverty like no other and I also saw extreme wealth. My family falls onto both ends of the spectrum.
Yet, it was those who were extremely poor who actually seemed much happier. They smiled, and they thanked God for the few possessions they had. But mainly, they were just happy that they had each other.
Funnily enough, they were more generous too. Goes to show, money may make life easier, but it’s your mindset that really matters.
9) Supportive friendships
Another thing that’ll bring you true happiness without money is a good set of friends.
I’m talking about friends who support you and encourage you to live your best life.
Friends you can trust and lean on.
They don’t care about the size of your bank account, they genuinely care about you and want to be a part of your life.
Not to mention, having good friends can also positively impact your health, so it’s a double win.
10) A sense of community
Growing up, I always wanted the mansion on the top of the hill. Away from people.
But since buying my humble little home, I’ve come to realize the beauty of having a community around. I’m happy when my neighbors drop by with cake or fruit from their farms.
Recently, the entire neighborhood got together to organize a night of food, drinks, and music. We all felt fortunate to live in a place where people look out for one another.
Sure, the mansion on the hill still sounds nice, but I’m not sure if I’d want to swap it for the support and company that having good neighbors and community provides.
11) Adopting a positive attitude
A positive attitude is still free (thankfully) and possibly one of the only things you need to be truly happy.
Because when you look through the lens of positivity, even the darkest moments don’t feel as drastic.
You learn to focus your attention on the good things in life. And let’s be real here, there’s enough crap in the world to feel pretty miserable if you allowed yourself to.
But that’s the charm of having a positive attitude; you look past all the crap and find the pockets of goodness, leading to a happier, more content life overall.
12) A close attachment to nature
Finally, I believe being close to nature is a form of happiness that money can’t buy.
It doesn’t matter where you live, city or countryside, we can all access nature. Whether it’s a local park, your own garden, a balcony garden, or driving down to the coast on your days off from work.
Being in nature is a natural healer. It’s also a surefire way to feel happy.
With your feet in the sand and the sun on your face, you can drown out your worries and simply “be”.
Growing up, we were treated to the cinema or Pizza Hut every now and then. But my parents opted to take us for long walks in the forest most weekends.
Looking back, I realize how simple and happy those times were.
So, we’ve covered 12 things that will make you truly happy in life that money can’t buy.
Which are you going to prioritize?
