Do We Define Happiness with Things We Own?

It has been said time and time again that "money makes the world go round," but does the world truly revolve around our currency? We require the exchange of monies for services which enable or inhibit us to live a functional, productive (or in some cases unproductive) lifestyle. We use money to provide shelter for ourselves and loved ones, our clothes, and our vehicles. We pay others to provide services in which we have little expertise or out of convenience. So when is enough actually enough?

I consider my finances to be deeply personal, but here's a look into this bachelor's budget:

• Monthly medical bills
• Monthly rent
• Monthly savings deduction*
• Weekly gasoline purchase
• Monthly automobile insurance
• Monthly groceries
• Weekly church offering

A little dining out here or there, but otherwise that's a pretty conclusive list. Notice there's an asterisk on one of the items. Each month I make a deduction from that month's income (ten percent per month is a good goal). This money goes into a separate savings account which I absolutely will not touch for any reason other than it's intended purpose. The saved up money also doubles as an emergency backup. If I lost my job or my vehicle broke down, I have several months' income stockpiled in a savings account which accrues interest on a monthly basis.

“There's something about making a purchase which provides instant gratification.”

Despite this, I must confess that I love to spend money--it's in my nature. I see something cool which could help me out in even the slightest way and I instantly start researching it, trying to find good deals on it. There's something about making a purchase which provides instant gratification. Sometimes upon receipt of an item I end up wishing I had waited a little longer. It is, however, in most cases a subtle feeling as I am fairly frugal. Growing up I received a lot of gifts at Christmas and my birthday, so I think I am very fortunate for that. However, at home and in my house we often went without, especially when I very young. Could it be there is a void in which I have placed everything I always wanted or couldn't afford? Even though I probably never wanted a tool set as a kid I have the means to purchase one, and so I have.

I recall my older cousin next door having an 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System when we were growing up. I own that very system now, but what I really wanted growing up was this full-size Alf doll he had on his bed. I begged and pleaded for that Alf doll or one of my own, neither of which I ever received. To this day I have vivid memories of that doll. I still don't have it, but I did find a hand puppet stuffed animal Alf at a thrift store once (which I purchased). I also recently found a rock and roll hippie hand puppet Alf. I'll probably sell that one on eBay, though he's pretty cute.

So are these things false symbols of happiness or am I just that easy to amuse? Perhaps we're all searching for something to fill that void, be it with material possessions, significant others, or power tools and lumber. Who knows, maybe we'll find what we're really looking for someday. I think we will. In the mean time, I suppose I'll try to find a cheap deal on a genuine Alf doll. What is your personal void to fill?