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The Real More

In recent decades, our purchasing power has more than doubled, which means we can afford to buy more stuff than ever before. And yet, more stuff hasn't made us any happier. I know it sounds like a Spice Girls song, but to be happy you have to know what you really, really want. After all, you can never have enough of what you didn't want in the first place.

In Britain, people are exposed on average to 500 advertisements a day on billboards, television, radio, magazines, other people's T-shirts, at petrol pumps and ATMs. Brands like Molton Brown tell us, "Everything is never enough." However, as comedian Stephen Wright says: "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" True happiness is not a "thing" or a "commodity." It's not something you have or get; it's something you cultivate and share.

The Rich List

Money is important, but it isn't everything. One of my favorite happiness and abundance exercises is called "The Rich List." To do this exercise, write down a list of everything in your life that is more precious to you than money. Think also about everything you already have that money can't buy. Obvious examples are, friends, health, laughter, enjoying nature, creative hobbies, your imagination and spirituality.

To be happy, you have to have a healthy relationship with money. The sooner you take responsibility for your financial well-being, the happier you will be. his may mean you need to get some extra help. Don't delay. Poor money management can cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety and stress. You can start by setting yourself some simple challenges like using cash instead of credit cards, entertaining more at home and challenging yourself to spend less.

Treasure Your Relationships

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