The Best Things in Life are (Almost) Free

As a young 20-something, I have friends who are on a wide range of the career spectrum in today’s economy. Some are doing very well for themselves, while others are working just to hold onto their part-time job.

One complaint I usually hear is that no fun can be had without paying for it. How can a person living from paycheck to paycheck possibly have enough funds to enjoy themselves? They can.

Now don’t get me wrong. It is always a great time to go out to a nice dinner, see a show, shoot hoops with President Obama  and buy gold plated bottles of champagne on a weekly basis. (I would like to pretend that is my life)

Having money for good times is always a plus, but not a complete necessity to enjoy the finer things in life. Here are some great examples of some of the best things in life, which are free:

• Taking a hike through a nearby trail
• Making jokes with a stranger
• Reading a new book from the library
• Writing poetry or a short story
• Hanging out with friends
• Throwing rotten tomatoes at teenagers in the mall (okay this one may not be a good idea)

Our fine state also has plenty of other free things to do right in its own borders. So why do so many people think that having money is the key to having a good time? I think it is because we have become so obsessed with possessions and luxuries that we have forgotten that they are not needed to unlock happiness.

Happiness isn’t something that can be found in a store or on a plate (well, barbecue ribs can sure make this man happy.) It is a place you find within yourself that is filled with content, and a willingness to enjoy the moment.

It is very much true that money can’t buy you happiness, but it is also true that happiness isn’t COMPLETELY free. It doesn’t have to cost you a thing in a monetary sense, but many times must be earned with time and hard work.

For example, a good friendship takes hours and hours of reciprocal time and energy through the good, and the bad. That friendship can be a never-ending source of joy, but it won’t come without a price. The same can be said for a family, which is even harder to manage, but can yield a bounty of love and support.

Another source of happiness is a sense of achievement, but that can only happen when enough hard work and dedication has been put towards it. You don’t have to open your wallet, but you have to open yourself up to challenges and the seldom failure. Taking that moment to think about how much accomplishment has been put into a day or week has no resale value.

I have always found a special bit of happiness in giving other people joy on any given day, including strangers. Sticking a smile on another face is one way to strengthen my own, especially on the bad days. This is not a cost-free endeavor as you must pay attention to other feelings, spend time caring and take the risk of bruising the ol’ ego if rejected.

The best things in life are almost free. You don’t have to lay down a $20 bill, but it won’t just come to you for nothing. Anything worth having in life, including happiness, is going to take effort both internally and externally. That being said, I still wouldn't mind a yacht filled with a hot tub and buckets of premium beef jerky...