We’ve all been told at one point in our lives that money can’t buy happiness. But is this necessarily true? I think it all depends on your definition of happiness. What do you define happiness as?

It may take a moment for you to garner a clear image of what happiness means to you.

Unfortunately, the question as to whether money can buy happiness is not black and white. It cannot simply be answered with a “yes” or a “no.”

To me, happiness is a feeling of gratitude, contentment, and joyfulness.

Yes, I can buy a new pair of shoes and love them, and in the moment, I can be happy. Buying stuff does not cause lasting happiness, but memories can do that. Material goods can provide happiness in the moment, but that happiness is fleeting. As soon as you’ve found another item you wish to own, your happiness is dependent on whether or not you obtain that particular item.

I would say that I find happiness in memories. Those last forever. A pair of shoes run out of their “happiness” factor. Memories will last forever, unlike tangible items or what money can buy you.

So at the end of the day, your happiness depends on how you chose to create your own happiness. If in fact, you choose to spend it on a trip, then the money you spent to go on your vacation allowed you to create happiness. The memories you create while on you’re on a journey are the moments you will look back on later in life with great fervor. But, money is not directly related to your happiness. You have to make your happiness; sometimes it’s your choice. Choosing happiness is a choice. You don’t have to have the nicest items or newest clothes, but you have to have the best attitude to make the most out of situations.