There are days when I wake up and think that I can’t make it through the day. Then I realize how thankful I am to have a roof over my head, breakfast to eat and a university to attend. No, I would not have all of this if it weren’t for money, but that feeling isn’t happiness; it’s satisfaction.

Happiness is the essence of our soul’s genuine well-being. It’s what makes existence joyful. Without joy, we wouldn’t have self-motivation or good spirit. On the other hand, money fuels that emotional meter, but only temporarily. Money allows us to express ourselves in a materialistic manner.

However, comfortable lifestyles also service one’s ego. The praise of models, fancy cars, lavish vacation spots and huge mansions sounds amazing, but these physical accomplishments and the status received with them is brief. Some believe possessing materialistic items will result in happiness. Money can make some fantasies come true, but it will never compare to genuine feelings you get for free: getting an A on a test you studied hard for, the pain in your tummy when you’re laughing too much or even how you feel when you’re surrounded by everyone you love as they sing “Happy Birthday” to celebrate you.

No, I don’t have all the money in the world, but my happiness comes from my relationships, experiences and accomplishments. The hardest pill I ever had to swallow was when I realized I had to make myself happy. I believe every decision a person makes has an impact. If I wake up one day and decide to make myself happy, then I will go out into the world and be happy.

No one else can make that decision for you. At the end of the day, when I go to sleep, I remember that happiness comes from the heart. Being compassionate, kind and respectful is free, with no payments, fees or dues. All happiness takes is a good soul and the decision to be happy.