I like this quote for today since it goes so well with my recent post on the frugal mindset. I love how Franklin states so simply about money that “…there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness.” because it is so true. Money itself is just paper and ink.
Many people will argue the fact and I can sort of see their point. Money can buy us things we want and need and pay for things that we may enjoy. But is that true happiness? I don’t believe so. Momentary enjoyment maybe. True happiness comes from inside us.
For me true inner happiness is about being comfortable, even fulfilled with what you have and who you have in your life. It’s about being a person you can be proud of, and living a life you are thankful for.
In today’s world, we do need a certain amount of money just to survive. Everything costs money – housing, food, clothing, transportation etc… However, you can be just as happy in thrift shop clothing as in designer labels.
For example – My oldest daughter was actually thrilled to go thrift shopping for clothes when she was a teen as we were able to find clothes that she liked and even some popular brands. The part she liked best was we were able to buy more clothes with the money I had than we would have in one of the shops where all her friends were going. She was happy to have unique items that all the kids weren’t wearing and to have a bunch of ‘new’ outfits instead of just one or two.
I taught my kids from a young age that happiness doesn’t depend on how much money you spend or how much money you make. A good friend of mine used to tell her kids “I don’t care if you shovel sh1t for a living as long as you’re happy.” Being a good person and living a good life are more important. We never had alot of money when the kids were young but they always had what they needed.
The last line of this quote is interesting and quite often true “the more of it one has the more one want.” We see this all around us all the time. People striving for more and trying to ‘keep up with the Jones’. These people rarely seem happy. I’m not saying we shouldn’t strive to do better, and be better, but there needs to be balance. Enjoy life, spend time with your loved ones, take time for yourself and look after your responsibilities. When you can do that you may find happiness.
This is just my thoughts on the quote. If you have another opinion or thought I’d love to hear it. Let’s chat in the comments. Take care,
RazzWorks 
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