Authentic Happiness: The Path to Genuine Fulfillment

Here’s the truth about happiness that money can’t buy… We all dream of finding that magical shortcut to wealth (and if you find it, please share!). But while we’re working on our financial goals the old-fashioned way, let’s explore something even more valuable – the path to genuine joy that doesn’t require a single dollar.

Now, let’s be real for a moment. Yes, some people are born into wealth – but that money usually came from an ancestor who put in the hard work. Others built their fortune from scratch, creating everything from car brands to real estate empires, food companies to clothing lines. These success stories surround us in the products and services we use every day.

I could list countless examples of people who started with nothing and built something incredible (just Google ‘rags to riches’ and prepare to be amazed!). But here’s the million-dollar question: Is money truly the fastest way to happiness? This brings me to my point…

What is the fastest way to happiness?

I am quite certain, that many of the material possessions you own, you are happy about because you probably worked hard for what you have. Maybe that item didn’t come to you immediately.

Maybe you had to save in order to make the purchase. It can be hard to keep up with the Jones’. In this day and age, more and bigger is better. And of course we are influenced by this message everyday. Social media, movies, music videos, influencers, the world is filled with the message.

Yes, money can make you happy because you will have the means to purchase what you need and even want. Money can help you receive the basic necessities you and your family need and then some. But money is not THE contributing factor such as the statement, “a way to do things, not THE way to do things”, implying that is the only reason or answer.

Gratitude, not money, is the fastest path to happiness. Gratefulness will put you on the fast track to happiness. And although you may not be sitting on riches, there are other things you have to be grateful and thankful for, besides a boat load of money.

Carving a little bit of time out of your day, to reflect on what you have to be grateful for, can almost certainly bring a smile to your face.

Create a list of what you are grateful for.

Sometimes easier said than done. Especially if you are busy. But I meant what I said about carving out a little bit of time to put this plan into action. Whether you are eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, watching a show or movie, or even while reading (yes, to include reading this blog, you can start now!).

You can take a few minutes to write down what you are grateful for. You can make a journal to list your gratefulness or you can purchase a journal that will help you write down what you are grateful for.

Every morning, Marissa and I write down what we are grateful for. There are several lines in the book for us to utilize. And there is a date for each entry. While I am eating breakfast, I take a couple of minutes to write out what I am grateful for. And when we are done, we read what we are grateful for to each other. Marissa also does the activity with our teen daughter after breakfast!

Some of the things I am grateful for: Marissa, family, health, and mental well-being.

This is what makes me happy on a regular basis. There are material possessions I am thankful for: a house to live in, a car to drive, clothes to wear. But I don’t tell myself I wish I had more money so I can acquire more things. I don’t wish for the newest car on the road or the biggest house on the block.

There are benefits to having gratitude!

Having gratitude can help put your mind at ease. For me personally, having more gratitude for things keeps me from experiencing unwanted stress. I am happy with what I have and I do not feel unhappy because of the things I don’t have.

Because what I do not have is not important

but not feeling depressed, having anxiety, or an overwhelming feeling of sadness is important to me and when I don’t worry about what I can’t control, I feel much better.

There is a study in Harvard Health Publishing, that emphasizes having gratitude can lead to happiness. Gratitude gives you all of the good euphoric feelings and explains different ways people feel gratitude. “They can apply it to the past (retrieving positive memories and being thankful for elements of childhood or past blessings), the present (not taking good fortune for granted as it comes), and the future (maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude)” (“Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier”).

Everyday is a New Beginning

Keep this in mind, and everyday you will have something to be grateful for. It’s not always the grandiose we have to be grateful for. We can be grateful for the small things too, such as:

• Career
• Opportunity to learn new things
• Sunsets
• Sunrises
• Cups of coffee
• Other small pleasures in life
• Clean air and water
• Technology
• Medicine

and the list could go on but I think you get my point. Seek out the everyday pleasures you are grateful for. To help with your every day is a new beginning journey, read this: “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. -Psalm 5:3. I Love the morning, Lord. Thank You for allowing me to experience a beginning every day of my life. Before my mind turns to the many scheduled items for the day, I feel the peace of Your presence. When I wake up early and the light of the day is just starting to warm the earth around me, there is a sense of awe that overcomes my spirit. Grant me this feeling of serenity when I am overwhelmed. When activity replaces a spirit of meditation and prayer, restore my gratitude from the day’s beginning.” (“One Minute Prayers” 53)

Challenges with Gratitude

As I mentioned earlier, with busy lives sometimes it’s hard to find time to make dinner, let alone write down a gratitude list. But if you read my blog Growth Mindset: How Shifting Your Mindset Can Transform Your Health and Career, you will find a way to include writing down what you have gratitude for.

Remember to seek the help of others too. Hold yourself accountable. Here are some ideas:

• Set reminders or alarms to prompt your gratitude reflection time
• Pair your gratitude practice with an existing habit you already have (I listed some ideas earlier e.g., during morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner etc.)
• Share your gratitude list with others, such as friends, spouses; this can help keep you accountable
• When you aren’t truly feeling grateful about anything specific, remember the small things to be grateful for

Start now

Money can provide comfort, true happiness often comes from appreciating what we already have. Gratitude is a skill that can be developed with practice.

Start your gratitude journey immediately, even with just one thing per day. As time goes on, you will list more items that you are grateful for. From time to time, go back and read what you are grateful for.

Take a moment to reflect. I encourage this reflection time as it will bring peace and comfort to you. Please leave a comment about what you are grateful for!

Join our Facebook Community

Ready to surround yourself with fellow happiness seekers and health enthusiasts? Join our Facebook community, Olive + Basil | Thriving Together: A Health & Happiness Journey! We’re more than just another Facebook group – we’re your daily dose of motivation, your cheer squad, and your go-to spot for real conversations about health, happiness, and everything in between. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a place for you at our table. Come share your stories, celebrate wins (big and small!), and connect with others who are passionate about living their best lives. Let’s thrive together! Click here to join our community today.

Works Cited

“Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 14 Aug. 2021, www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.

One Minute Prayers for Men. Harvest House Publishers, 2010.

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