Materialism at a cross road

what is real happiness ?

Recently, I've read an article about how to spend your money to generate maximum joy. Apparently, the article points out the fact that spending on vacations, hobbies and charities brings about more joy than if the money was spent on materialistic entities. That includes car, house, luxury bags etc etc. But why? I ask myself do I really feel that way. And sadly, the answer is no. Everyone becomes increasingly materialistic as they grow older.

A sermon I heard recently also mentions that when babies enter the world (right out of their mother's womb), their hands are clenched to a fist, as though they are holding to something. When people die (the pastors seen quite a fair bit i suppose), their palms are always open, like they have learn to let go and set free.

Is pursuing all these materialistic endeavors really what I wan? I honestly don't have an answer, simply cos I don't want to let go. I have so many wants and a strong desire to acquire all of them. Normally, people say that when someone gives up materialism, it's not because they are really pursuing "happiness" just that they give up. It's like a sore loser way of saying I'm out of the rat race. But, I honestly have seen genuine people who wants out of this chaotic mess and they really seem happier than most of the white-collars.

Life is complicated because we've made it that way. We can make it simple by returning our frame of mind to that of a child. Recall what makes you happy as a child- is it a afternoon playtime with your friends or 6pm cartoons on television?

Why can't all of us learn to let go and just pursue what can makes us happy instead of what we think can make us happy? Easier said than done.

Will see that in 3 years time. peace out