Every spring I get a wicked urge to go to the carnival. There is nothing better than spending a warm summer evening eating a candy apple while waiting in line for your favorite ride.

My favorite ride has and will forever remain, the Zipper. Oh how I love hearing everyone including myself scream as the wheel whips your cart around in a frenzy, sending a rush of adrenaline throughout your body. It always kinda freaked me out how the only thing keeping the cage door from opening and sending you plummeting to your death is a little metal pin. Which leaves you wondering what the likely hood of such a disaster happening actually is? However, if I were to die while on the Zipper, I would die a happy girl! My favorite part of the ride is when the wheel stops spinning and you find yourself at the very top swaying back and forth in the soft summer breeze, with a beautiful view of the city. With the scent of hot dogs and candyfloss in the air and the setting sun upon your face – a feeling of pure joy overcomes you.

“Money can’t buy life”. Those were the final words of Bob Marley, spoken to his son Ziggy.

There is truth to that quote. People are living more comfortable lives than ever before, but happiness remains the hardest-to-find component of life, and what is a life if void of happiness? Happiness is not about money – all the money and things in the world would not guarantee your happiness. Just take a realistic look at Hollywood.

Although I am still too young to speak from years of wisdom gained through experiences, I can however say what has made my life worth living and they are as follows – Helping others, connecting with the world around you, finding joy in what you do for a living, having direction and a purpose, music, the arts, literature, silence, time to do what you love, good conversation, coffee, nature, swimming, laughter, community, good health and most importantly family and love. Looking back on my life so far, it was the times where I had little money that were oddly enough the moments where I have experienced the most joy.

Final thought – What point is there in devoting one’s life solely to the pursuit of money, if it leaves your character void of any real substance and robs you of your joy?

I have always hated Sunday evenings because although it is still the weekend, Monday is right around the corner. I dread Mondays. So for all of you who find yourselves returning to the daily grind, I have posted a few images that I find calming to help lift the mood. Have a great week.