Kid Kraddick was discussing this briefly on the radio the other morning while I was scanning stations and it sounded familiar, but either way, I totally agreed. There was a study done on that although people say money doesn’t buy happiness, it should be stated that material things bought with money doesn’t provide long-lasting happiness. But, if you take that money and spend it on an experience, that is what brings on the happiness.
…you might buy a pair of shoes and think your shoes are really nice, until you see your friend’s shoes and they’re nicer. But people’s experiences – their vacations and their times out with their friends isn’t susceptible to social comparisons. – Ryan Howell (NPR interview)
YES! I so need to start doing more of this. I know I went concert crazy earlier this year, and I totally remember those experiences. They were great! I still remember past concert experiences with Spoon, Marc Broussard, Nikka Costa, etc.
And dinner! That’s totally why I take trips to New Orleans. To eat my weight in Cajun food. I can’t remember half the stuff I got for my birthday last year, but I distinctly remember what the Ocean sauce at Alfredo’s on Frenchman St. in New Orleans tasted like on some veal. HEAVEN.
And I don’t think that the article is saying that I need to go to Cancun (I wouldn’t pass it up) to be happy. Just a quick bite to eat with family or playing in the park or something should be enough of an experience right? Especially with the amount of pictures I’ll be taking. I need to remember this and practice frequently. Especially with Addy. Especially since I’m almost 30. I don’t want to look back and remember a new pair of Sperry’s (also wouldn’t turn those down) but hanging out with friends and eating good food and watching my daughter be ridiculous and listening to great music.
What kind of experiences are you looking forward to? Or do you really just want to go shopping for thing?
Bre’, I totally agree with you. Some of the experiences I’ve had with you and T (and now Addy) are priceless. Like all of us going to Maggiano’s, enjoying some great food and having some great conversation (on Shell’s tab no less). And then I remember the white, powdery sand on Redang Island in Terranganu, Malaysia and snorkeling for the first time. You can’t beat it!
Of course I agree…that's what this year of #YOLO has been all about for me. Trying to make the most out of life and doing what makes me happy (sometimes that involves me being utterly ridiculous & less responsible than the average person my age…). Kid Kraddick is super right. A lot of the experiences I've had in the past year, I'll remember and cherish forever. B/w last friday and yesterday, I put 247 miles on my truck and although I was kinda taken aback and thought I kinda "failed," I realized that most of the driving I did was to go see people that I love and had an osm time with. When you start comparing money spent to experiences had…the latter wins. Also…thanks for bringing up Ocean Sauce dude. Now YOU must go back with us. soon. lol.