| Last week, my son asked me, 'Dad why does | | | | because I have learned how to feel happy simply |
| everyone else have nice new cars and we have this | | | | through appreciating my blessings in life. I know that |
| beat up junkie car?' My answer was that my car | | | | new stuff may enhance my comfort but, it is not a |
| meets the two criteria I have for it, it starts and it goes. | | | | happiness guarantee. My guarantee is focusing my |
| My seven year son doesn't always appreciate the | | | | attention on what's really important, my health, |
| economics behind some of my decisions. My son and | | | | relationships with others, and livelihood. |
| employer both would be a lot happier if I got a newer | | | | I belief we have been sold a bill a goods that don't get |
| model, but the reality is I don't need one. My car starts | | | | us to our desired destination. I can't tell you how many |
| and goes and that is all I need it to do. I am happy | | | | SUVs I've seen turned upside down on wet or icy |
| driving a beat up Honda. | | | | roads. We been told we need these big cars for |
| But I have noticed like my son, that not many people | | | | safety, but the best safety measure while driving, is |
| drive beat up cars. Are our self identities so wrapped | | | | driving safely. My car gets me where I'm going safely |
| up in what we drive, wear, or own, that we feel | | | | because I'm an alert and cautious driver. I also take this |
| unhappy when we don't have new stuff? A recent | | | | approach in life. I remain alert to my environment, am |
| internet video the Story of Stuff states that our | | | | cautious not to react to stress, and often find I am in |
| economy certainly promotes the belief the new stuff | | | | greater control of my life as a result. I am happy with |
| creates Happiness. The reality is that new stuff | | | | my beat up Honda, because I have bought into the |
| doesn't create happiness it creates heart-ache. | | | | idea of self reliance rather being sold on new stuff as |
| I don't buy new cars, because I find better deals with | | | | the road to happiness. |
| used models. I don't need new things to feel happy | | | | |