More money = More Restlessness | Impact of Wealth on Well Being

Is there a kernel of truth in the idea that more money brings more restlessness? Sometimes, it feels like the intense heat we endure—akin to the burn of the sun on a sweltering beach—eventually melts away, replaced by the invigorating joy and contentment that the ocean’s embrace provides. This scorching sensation might be a necessary trial on the path to achieving all that we are pursuing.

But here’s the twist: some folks seem blissfully happy, whether they’re richer or poorer than you. You might catch yourself wondering, “Why am I not as happy?” The puzzle pieces here aren’t just about the size of one’s wallet or the number of mouths to feed. It’s also about one’s attitude toward money, among a myriad of other factors, which make you ponder what is the impact of wealth on well being.

Consider families who prioritize money above all else. They’re not necessarily wrong in their approach, but why do their feelings hinge so much on the freedom to spend as they please? Is it flawed or justified? Contrast this with a family that may not match your financial standing but appears genuinely content and even jubilant. When you look back at your own life, you might notice that you felt happiest when flush with cash. Now, in leaner times, you find yourself irked by minor inconveniences that wouldn’t bother you if your bank account were more robust.

Why this stark shift in emotions? Perhaps you fantasize about abandoning it all for a quaint cabin in the woods—where the most pressing concern is chopping wood for a cozy fire. People are sent on diverse journeys through life, finding comfort in varying levels of material abundance. We often underestimate our own mental resilience, leading to confusion, self-doubt, and a scarcity of joy.

“Comparison is the thief of joy”—a profound truth. Focus on the unique purpose life holds for you, and savor every moment of your own journey. Instead of fixating on others’ paths to happiness, remember to cherish your own.