Redefining the Meaning of Wealth

The Happy Planet Index measures how joyful and content the people of the world’s countries are while also taking into account their environmental impact. Out of 143 nations, this year’s winner was Costa Rica- the US was 114th. This organization challenges the notion that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is not all it’s hyped up to be and that health and quality of life are what people really desire and not accumulating exorbitant amounts of money. If you’re further interested in this organization, check out the following link:
http://www.happyplanetindex.org/

Speaking of GDP and economic growth at any cost, I find it interesting that despite all the material possessions available to us in the US, there are still so many people who feel lack in their lives. All of this getting more, more, more, may not be so great after all. It seems the more we have, the more we keep wanting and it’s just never enough. And is the negative environmental impact going to serve us in the long run? Will the ridiculous amount of time we spend at work be worth it?

So what exactly is enough? It’s definitely an important question for each of us to ask ourselves. I know for myself, I’m finding that I value quality of life much more than how much interest my investments are accumulating or how many of the latest toys or fashions I can buy. Yes, money is important, but like everything, it has its place. When money and collecting material wealth becomes the prime focus, it leaves a void and life becomes shallow. If money was a major factor in making people happy, wouldn’t we be at the top of the Happy Index and not at number 114?

The fact that several Latin American countries were at the top of this year’s Happy Index, is intriguing since so many of these countries are not even big “players” in the global economy. But maybe they know something we should all begin to take note of. Perhaps our culture should quit making the accumulation of wealth so important and start putting relationships, health, and spirituality at the top of our lists. After all, the global economy has not come through with all that it promised. The” rising tide will lift all boats” theory has only lifted a few elite boats while the majority of us have to make do with a few broken paddles just to stay afloat.

Everyday I see media reports or hear people discussing our present economy and when things will improve. Maybe things aren’t going to improve, at least not in the old way. Maybe we are entering a new era where we start treating our planet with more respect and quit worshiping the almighty dollar as if it were some kind of sacred conduit that can bring us closer to God. The old model our economic system is based on is unsustainable and we would all be much wealthier and happier with a system that measures our wealth differently. I have faith in a new way and I have hope that very soon, we can be at the top of the Happy Index as well!