Happiness.

[Theland]

We have a certain capacity for happiness.
No amount of money, wealth and power can increase our happiness, but often compromise it.
A new born baby, a walk in the countryside, a kind word can all make us extremely happy. How can you add to that?
What say you?

[Calicogirl]

Trust, love, kindness any and all of the good parts of human nature, but I will take slightly issue with the fact that you suggest that money and power cannot make you happy- they can, but only so much as they give you freedom. If a man works 16 hour days, 7 days per week trying to feed his family, he would love them very much but he might be too tired and stressed to be able to offer a kind word or take a walk in the countryside with them, whereas if he had a better paid, less demanding job his family might be happier because that would have freed him to be the best version of himself.
By contrast sometimes the rich and powerful feel an entitlement to love and adoration that they don't deserve and an arrogance in expecting it which leads to unhappiness. A rich man or woman is at a disadvantage in love, how does he know that their woman / man loves him and not his money and station and everything they can gain?
For me, I want someone honest and kind, I don't care how rich or poor they are but I am mindful of all of the above as well.

[retrocop]

“Money can't buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.”

― Spike Milligan

[Theland]

12 hours a day 7 days a week for years was true for me. So sad never spent the time with my kids.

[retrocop]

If a man works 16 hour days, 7 days per week trying to feed his family, he would love them very much but he might be too tired and stressed to be able to offer a kind word or take a walk in the countryside with them, whereas if he had a better paid, less demanding job his family might be happier because that would have freed him to be the best version of himself. //

That man was me and some.I spent too much time away for my family due to very long hours and working all over the place. I always bought a gift or toy for my two young boys when I got home but still fellt guilty I wasn't always there for school sports day etc.
My two lads are grown with families and my wife and I provided there houses in a wonderful Dorset village where my two grand daughters go to a great village school and go horse riding.I feel I have made amends and everyone is very happy.

[teacake44]

Good health will (always) be paramount.

[Theland]

Retro cop - I understand completely

[Calicogirl]

It most certainly wasn't a criticism Retro, quite the reverse, I think it's a very admirable trait and men are often left with the short straw because of it. Mr Cal is also absent more often than he'd necessarily like and works crazy long hours, getting up when it's dark and coming home after it's dark again and that impacts on his happiness, but I think if the person is inherently good their families will appreciate that. x

[Cloverjo]

//retrocop “Money can't buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.”
― Spike Milligan

Yes indeed.

[anneasquith]

Happy or miserable, money gives you choices .

[1ozzy]

I resigned from a demanding job that paid well, sold a large family home in the city when my children were young. Moved to a small country town, bought a run down house, took on work that paid a lot less and became part of my childrens life. Glad I took the plunge, I would do it all over again.

Only drawback is now I'm broke, sob, sob.

[Mamyalynne]

Wish I could type more than a sentence.

Happiness keeps you afloat and after a lifetime surrounded by it,I have wrinkly soles but haven't drowned yet.x

[Arksided]

a simple smile from someone you've never met before ... just walking down the street makes me feel cheery.

[Arksided]

obviously I'm not in London... that'd never happen.

[wolf63]

My moods tend to be all over the place and are controlled by drugs. It would be nice to be really happy but, in general, I am content.

[clyde59]

As ken Dodd says.

[Arrods]

Money can certainly not buy you happiness - but you can go to a lot of nice places trying to find it.

[Cloverjo]

I am often reminded of a line from Butterflies by Wendy Craig’s character.
“I’m in a gilded cage, with dust delivered daily.”

[10ClarionSt]

Health is the most important thing; much more than money. Without your health, you've got nothing. Christopher Reeve was a good example.

[aelmpvw]

'best answer' does it for me ...

[woofgang]

money could bring me happiness. I would buy a home miles away from screaming kids.