Those of us who live in poverty here in America, a family of four making around $25,000 / year, our lens of happiness is dramatically impacted by our income. Even with an active faith in Christ, serving others, discipling our kids, tithing and leaning on the love and truth of Jesus daily... we believe we would be happier with a healthier income.
Those of us hovering in the middle class, $45,000 - 130,000, and actively engaged in our faith, our view of happiness runs parallel to our financial comfort.
And those of us in the upper crust of society are in a happiness ball park of our own. Our uber amounts of money (to the poverty-man this is anything above $25,000) doesn't necessarily make us happier and outside of faith we may even be equal to or less happy than those in poverty.
Why write about this in a snapshot blog post? As a creative and as a parent, happiness connects all sorts of dots in life and faith and creative pursuits.
The other day it struck me that most people who write, blog, speak and preach on happiness are comfortable in their wealth. They aren't working for their daily bread, literally, on a check-to-check basis. They don't continuously think about daily money issues, maybe retirement, but that's a luxury to the poverty-man.
Personally I'm learning to be not only content, like Paul, with my status, but more than that I am eager to practice a rhythm of happiness. Aren't you? Wouldn't it be amazing to witness a resurgence of happiness in the face of growing suicide rates, income divides and culture clashes? To see the 'least of these' rise each day with a growing sense of joy and blessed attitude above and beyond financial success?
To celebrate success beyond 'making it rain.'
No, I'm not vying for socialism, that's as big a lie about satisfaction and happiness as any. I am hinting at putting our faith into action, serving others, holding doors, saying hi, making eye contact, providing meals, sharing resources and talents and gifts and, yes, even finances. Pressing into our creative outlets, hard work and exciting seasons in parenting.
I'm not washing over the impact a healthier wallet has on our attitude, it means something. But it shouldn't mean everything.
What are your goals? What do you find most difficult about chasing after a dream or healthy desire or opportunity?
Sometimes we just need to talk it through from a fresh perspective. See our world from the outside again. Be reminded that while some dreams die, others spring up with a fresh start and kick in the a$$.
Shoot me a message or give me a call. Coaching is the art of asking questions, let me throw some at you. Maybe a little investment in what could be will be enough to engage where you are with a renewed motivation to keep moving forward in happiness. Let's talk!
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