Make the most of what you have
I used to be one of those people who love to compare with other people in terms of achievements and other things (money, cars, properties, etc). To me, having nicer things in life will make me and the people around me happier. That’s why I’ve spent a lot on the nice things – gadgets, computers, etc.
But after my 6 months stay in UK, separated from my family, I came to realize that these things don’t really matter. I’ve bought the car I wanted (fortunately, I wasn’t too ambitious with such things), and stay in the place I wanted (with the help from my parents). To be honest, I’m a lot better than a lot of people my age. But did that make me happier because I’m better than others?
No.
I am happier, but not because of those things or because I’m better. I’m happier because I get to stay with my family. I’m happier because my whole family can sit down everyday to watch the Channel 8 Korean series together. I’m happier because I can enjoy my mum’s cooking everyday.
I told this to a friend of mine who love to compare with other people about bigger cars and bigger houses. He said that I used to compare a lot too. I must admit that I still do that once in a while (a lot lesser now), but it’s more like ranting than actually forking out so much money for things that I cannot afford (slaves to the banks, anyone?).
Because I realized that happiness doesn’t come from the big or nice things that we have, but it comes from within ourselves. If you’re discontent and unhappy, no matter how big a car you have, or how expensive the house you’re staying in, you will never be happy. That is why I personally feel that it is not what you have that matters but how you make the most of what you have.
p/s… the last thing that I bought which is more than RM 500 was…erm…my phone which is 4 years old now.
p/s… maybe some readers will flame me for this article. Feel free to do so. 
You can also be happy with what you DON’T have like debts, poor health and enemies.
Damien Tan
8 May 09 at 12:22 pm
@ Damien
Haha, that’s for sure. Debts are within our ctrl…enemies..50/50 since people might get easily offended by what appeared to be harmless…….and poor health, also 50/50.
Alvin Lim
8 May 09 at 12:36 pm
I seldom compare tangible achievement eg cars, properties. with others. Sometimes I am a bit nosey and curious if that fella A happy or not, fella B’s feelings content or not and/or what if I were in fella C’s shoes how would i feel, that sorts of things – waste thots but can’t help it, hehe.
Eagle
8 May 09 at 8:36 pm
@ Eagle
Hmm but we can actually tell it if someone is feeling happy or not. Most of the time, it’s pretty obvious.
Alvin Lim
9 May 09 at 10:51 am
When you’re getting older and older, you tend to less comparing stuff with others anymore… True?
ChampDog
9 May 09 at 9:36 pm
@ ChampDog
You’re right. People tend to compare lesser when they’re older. LOL. Maybe we’ve seen more and experience more? So we’re more content?
But some of my friends who are older than me, they still compare a lot.
Maybe i’m too old for my age. LOL.
Alvin Lim
9 May 09 at 9:45 pm
Hahaha… this is called “mature”. Girls like it one…
ChampDog
9 May 09 at 10:11 pm
well , lots and lots of americans need to learn from you
its a fvcking material world here
gapnaps last blog post..Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center . shred america !
gapnap
10 May 09 at 12:02 am
@ ChampDog
Hmmm, not if they donno me well. I appear to be quite kiddish at first sight. LOL.
@ gapnap
Oh, and not just Americans, but most Asians are the same.
Nay, I think most people know that. It’s just that they don’t want to do it.
Alvin Lim
10 May 09 at 3:22 pm
This is a very wise insight. If you start comparing, there would be no end coz there’s always someone who has more money, more gadgets, more toys etc.
Horizons last blog post..APM Automotive Holdings Berhad
Horizon
14 May 09 at 1:26 pm
@ Horizon
Thanks.
There will always be someone better than you, no matter how good or how rich you are. bcoz in the end, rich is an adjective which can be very subjective.
Alvin Lim
14 May 09 at 11:39 pm