May 2018
Is living abundantly while preserving the planet possible? When talk of living sustainably begins questions of having to give up convenience or comfort inevitably arise. We usually equate an abundant life with an abundance of money or possessions. Increased wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness. Increased wealth will make a person happier if they start from a position of poverty. Poverty comes with many stressors as poor individuals have a hard time meeting their basic needs. So as wealth increases and they are able to have their basic needs met. Major stressors like like meeting next months rent are removed and happiness increases. However, this trend follows a curve rather than a continually increasing slope. Beyond a certain amount of wealth, happiness does not continue increasing. Concerns about the stock market, property destruction, or theft often keep wealthy people awake at night. As new levels of wealth are achieved and a person associates with others of a higher soc...