Pursuit Of Happiness

Is it true that for most people happiness isn’t in the “having”, but in the “wanting”? Apparently so. Studies at the University of Missouri evaluating the emotional state of consumers before and after they made important purchases have shown that consumers express joy, excitement, optimism, and even a sense of peacefulness during their purchasing quest - whether they’re focused on finding the perfect house, sports car, waffle iron, or hairdryer. In other words, it’s all about the chase. While searching for that perfect “something” we assure ourselves that when we find it our lives will be changed in a pleasurable and meaningful way. Honestly, who hasn’t been super charged about getting something only to find out that the eventual having it wasn’t nearly as satisfying as the wanting of it. Funny enough, technology can help us with this particular conundrum. I confess to spending considerable time “window shopping” on the internet. While sipping a cup of hot tea in the comfort of my own home I pick things out and put them in my virtual shopping cart. Then more often than not I simply delete those choices or close my browser. This way I have the thrill and pleasure of the pursuit without the buyer’s remorse.