Can't Buy Me Love...

Say you don't need no diamond rings
And I'll be satisfied
Tell me that you want the kind of things
That money just can't buy
I don't care too much for money
Money can't buy me love
-The Beatles

I have known people throughout the years who have pursued wealth firmly believing it to be a sure path to true happiness.  My own experiences with wealth not only disproves this notion, it also suggest a link between money and unhappiness.   For example, one of my first serious relationship's in high school was with a guy whose father was a self made multimillionaire.  Initially I was swept away by their luxurious lifestyle-an Olympic size indoor swimming pool, multiple Mercedes (as well as a plethora of other expensive vehicles), vacation homes, a private Lear jet, etc.  However, despite their lavish lifestyle it quickly became apparent this family was not only miserable but also highly dysfunctional.  With that said, why do Americans buy into the propaganda that great wealth creates happiness?  Personally I believe it's pushed upon us from every angle- commercials, tabloid magazines, etc.  Materialism is worshiped if not downright glorified in our society.  In fact, American consumers are continuously encouraged to consume more, want more, and that bigger is better- all of which presumably leads to happiness.  I beg to differ.  As a child (up until the age of twelve), my parents were able to provide a comfortable, upper-class lifestyle however, when they divorced, we were catapulted into a different world (to say nothing of an entirely different socioeconomic class).  Yet despite the new circumstances we found ourselves in, our family grew closer-learning to appreciate the smaller things in life.  Without this experience it is unlikely I would have come to know the true value of family and what happiness really means.  This is not to suggest that money is not valuable or that it's wrong to be wealthy, rather, it all comes down to one's perspective.  I do believe money and happiness can coincide, however, I do not think having one necessarily demands you need the other in order to be happy.  As others read this they may wonder what prompted me to blog about this particular issue and I can only respond by saying that it's because I believe happiness can only be found in the present moment.  If a person lives only for tomorrow, they will never appreciate what exist today.  It is only by living in each moment that a person can come to know real happiness.  After all, we are only promised today.