Moderate Living

Hello, I'm Mike – I write every Tuesdays and Fridays

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You Can Only Pick Two

I recently read a comment on an online finance forum how life can be grossly summarized by the interplay/relationship of 3 factors:

Wealth. Health. Happiness

The person further went on to say that you can generally expect to fully achieve 2 while the 3rd one will come only sporadically in your life, if at all.

I thought about that and I felt like this person was onto something. Then I wondered what two things I would pick from the figurative triangle.

For me, I think I would pick Health most certainly. But my second pick would have to be Wealth – almost without thinking. I haven’t really examined my belief in the concept of Happiness in this context but from my experience, I think this whole notion of Happiness is made up at worst – or grossly mischaracterized or misleading at best. I don’t want to sound cliche because I do not know the true nature of Happiness but the one thing I can say about it is that it will come to us whether we want it or not and in very mysterious or coincidental ways – almost independent of Wealth or Health. It’s almost (and I don’t want to stretch into this concept) a mindset to achieve Happiness.

So with that, I would choose the two concepts concretely grounded in what’s observable in the world.

So, if you could pick two and only two which would you pick?

Happiness….and/or……Wealth……and/or……Health?

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7 responses to “You Can Only Pick Two”

  1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar
    lyndhurstlaura

    Health and Happiness. Wealth doesn’t necessarily create either. 😐

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      great point Laura!

      Reply
  2. Kate Duff Avatar
    Kate Duff

    Health – first and foremost. This morning walked the dog, then went for a run by myself (my dog is antisocial) then ocean swim. Being able to move and enjoy this vehicle for life is the greatest gift I give myself. Wealth: knowing that I have enough, being grateful for what I have, living comfortably and having family and friends around me – and also living comfortably without the mental struggle – yes I am very wealthy and fortunate to be so – mind you, we have worked hard for that. Happiness comes from having the first two and knowing it.

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      It is a joy for me to see almost everyone picking Health as a cornerstone choice. I know it seems obvious but in my experience more people tend to gravitate towards happiness and wealth. Not that there’s anything overly wrong with it but as they say, “once you’ve got a health problem everything else pales in comparison.”

      as for your second choice, I am honored you shared that. i too have been fortunate to enjoy financial privilege. however, it was, is, and will continue to be a….point of contention in my life, hence why I make this blog about simple and conscientious living. this is why i can truly understand your point about where happiness comes from even though I spend almost double the time i enjoy it, protecting it (sadly). I’m not sure if I’ll write about that stuff, even for the sake of content as I’m not sure how it would come across, but my two very cherished friends here have been so incredibly supportive and understanding of my thoughts when it came to that subject. i know i said this on your post already but in this context, I hope you are having the specifi type of peaceful and reflection filled sunday that only such privilege can afford.

      Reply
  3. justrojie Avatar
    justrojie

    I’d pick the same health and wealth

    Reply
    1. Michael Williams Avatar
      Michael Williams

      word. happiness is overrated and low key fake.

      Reply
      1. justrojie Avatar
        justrojie

        Right?

        Reply

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