Does Stuff Make Us Happy?

(Blogmeister note:  I'm sure I've blogged about it before but it's worth another visit.)

I read a recent article which stated that:

• long-lasting happiness is based more on the quality of our relationships than on the quantity of our stuff;
• spending money for an "experience" like a trip or a nice dinner with friends rather than on things results in longer lasting happiness;
• creating memories results in more happiness than collecting things does;
• "hedonic adaptation" means people adapt to their new stuff quickly which is why they don't keep our happiness quota filled. 

One filmmaker who is making a documentary on happiness found that, "the one single trait that's common among every single person who is happy is strong relationships...The things we are trained to think make us happy, like having a new car every couple of years...don't make us happy (in the long run)."
 
Haven't we always known this truth even when we've gone running after the stuff we thought would make us happy?

Certainly, we all need (or is it want) a certain level of comfort, it's just that our definitions of comfort vary.  There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to material wealth but I know that I have found that for me, simple is better.  I feel more freedom when not consumed by my stuff or chasing more stuff.  I want the experiences.  I want the memories.  I want the relationships.

Better yet, I want joy ~ a peace that surpasses my circumstances, my stuff, my experiences and even my relationships.

Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)

(Blogmeister's note: Article quoted was But Will It Make You Happy? by Stephanie Rosenbloom, The New York Times, 8/9/2010)