Ever heard the old tale about the two friends standing in a funeral parlor, looking over the body of a rich man who had passed away when one turns and asks, “I wonder how much he left?”  To which the other replies without missing a beat says, “All of it.”

Most people think that money can and will buy happiness.  But happiness is a temporary state based on circumstances.  Contentment is the state of mind for which you should strive.  Why?  Because those who are content with their lives and what they have are less inclined to pursue money as a means to happiness.  The endless pursuit of money and things will leave a person lonely, desperate and without a sense of hope.

This does not mean that money should not be a part of your goals and dreams, however.  We goal set in order to attain improvement in position, or prominence.  A financial goal is but a step in a broader set of goals that includes things like family, health and future.  The focus of your goals should not be about gaining more and more things or money.  One who does often is portrayed as shallow and unbecoming.

Contentment is evident in one who is not ashamed to say “I have enough.”  And, then follow through by refusing indulgences that tend to wear away at a person over time.  Things we allow into our lives cloud our vision of what is important.  A good example of this is one who purchases a large recreational vehicle.  While there is nothing wrong with such an object or the purchase thereof, simply owning one brings with it a set of requirements and responsibilities.  Which, in turn, can crowd out other things that are more important like family relationships.

So, how does one distinguish between what is necessary and what is an indulgence?  This is subjective, but one test can help.  When faced with a decision it is a good idea to ask “will this object or purchase help me realize my goals, or satisfy a feeling?”  Another good test is to allow time to pass without taking action.  Indulgences for temporary good feelings are those that demand us to take action immediately.  Whereas those that add to our goals and dreams are not so.

Immediate gratification is an indicator of maturity level.  But, with temperance and a view towards long term goals one can realize the positive vibe of contentment.  And that vibe can and will provide a sense of direction and stability for a long time to come.

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This is a guest article written by James Neely, a student of MakeMoneyFromWriting.com.  James is learning how to create consistent income through freelance writing.