How would you know if you’ve lived a successful and happy life if you don’t have a lot of money or stuff to show for it?
If you've done your best, made amends where you didn't do your best, made regular progress with regard to your interests, your social and family interactions, your education, and your career choice, then you're well on your way if not already there.
Success and happiness don’t exist in a void. It is often the very trials and tribulations we blame for our unhappiness and failures that gives us the experience, strength, and skills that lead to happiness and success.
Many studies have concluded it isn't money that makes us happy. Depending on your family size, an annual income of $50,000 is all that's needed to leave a person feeling like they can make ends meet. Anything over that is relative to the amount of debt they've incurred (spending habits) and what they're filling their life with (instead of their hearts and minds).
Smile at others when you can (no one expects you to keep a bluebird on your shoulder all the time), perform random acts of kindness, be grateful for what you have (no matter how little you have - else you'll never be grateful no matter how much you have), eat right, move around on a daily basis, keep up with friends and family, and stay on top of your responsibilities (your bills - not someone else's).
Success is what you’ve become. Happiness is how you feel about your success. Neither of these has to do with money, but instead personal accomplishment.
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