Thanks for much for the detailed and honest answers everyone. You're feeding my insatiable curiosity. Keep it coming.
In my own case, having yet to purchase IP#1 (not long though) I can't answer all of my own questions but here goes:
1) Has your level of happiness permanently increased as your income/net worth has? -
Yes, but only up to the point where I could and did purchase my PPOR. Since then, income increases have had zero impact on happiness.
2) Has your level of happiness permanently increased as your portfolio has?
N/A
3) What's had the biggest positive, longterm impact on your happiness?
-
I can't split this.
1) Mindfulness meditation. The ability to find complete and utter contentment any time, any place, in the present moment is the greatest trick I've discovered by far. It creates immunity from circumstance and gives an ability to clear the mind of all things past and present, if only for a moment, to find a deep sense of satisfaction "in the now". You will be stunned how gratifying, uplifting and fulfilling this technique is once honed (it does take a lot of practice).
This is enhanced further by the understanding that your entire life, all you ever have is the present moment. (I've mentioned this here before). The past is a thought that arises in the present. The future is a thought that arises in the present. Getting behind this sea of thought and experiencing what is true in this very moment is wondrous.
2) That my biggest passion (pursuit of knowledge/understanding, various areas, generally science) is essentially free, endless and every new thing of interest that I learn permanently elevates my levels of happiness by adding a new layer of pleasure and satisfaction in both in the act, and as a longterm result of the act.
I've also had major breakthroughs in wellbeing by understanding how the brain works (I've studied it at length), realising that everything you can possibly experience in life is generated within the mind, from inputs from the external world.
Further, having a grasp of the evolution of the universe and life on earth really puts things in perspective. The fact that I'm alive, and conscious, is simply the result of almost 14 billion years of the laws of physics running their course. Every atom in my body was generated in a supernova (death of a star), an immense explosion, scattering elements throughout the cosmos. And, as for life on earth, it's a by-product of DNA reproducing itself, nothing more. Sure makes petty things seem insignificant.
4) What's had the biggest negative, longterm impact on your happiness? -
Nothing has been able to hinder this. Short term stress can create a temporary dip, but as soon as that moment is over, it's no longer able to effect me. Water on a duck's back.
5) Those who have reached "financial freedom", has your permanent level of happiness increased?
N/A, though I imagine this won't, it will simply give me options. Which is a good thing.
6) Any words of wisdom, insights, books, experiences, anything you recommend tor SSers to increase their happiness and wellbeing?
When life is viewed through a logical lens, one realises that to gift of consciousness is to be treasured. Of all the atoms in the universe, to happen to be among those that ended up on a planet, able to support life and eventually as, not only life, but as human life, in an era where 100% of our time is not spent struggling to subsist, life is astonishing! And compared to the 13,820,000,000 year old universe, our 80 year lifespans are the tiniest speck. Once you're dead, that's it. Make of your life, whatever will give you the greatest pleasure and satisfaction (providing it isn't to the detriment of others).
This talk must be credited a) for some of what I've said, and b) for further elevating my levels of wellbeing and happiness. "Death At The Present Moment": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITTxTCz4Ums
7) How old are you?
27
In summary, my level of wellbeing and longterm happiness has been off the charts, and ever increasing for all of my adult years. It appears entirely disconnected from income, assets, achievements, setbacks, expenses – all outside influences.
If I were to lose everything I owned, all assets/possessions, my job, the lot, I honestly don't feel it would alter my level of wellbeing one iota in the longterm. Sure it would change my circumstances, but nothing more.
I understand everyone's experience in life is different. Our minds are all different, our experiences are all different and our circumstances are all different. It's a lottery (your genes, location, parents, life events etc) and I'm thankful that chance has delivered me to such a great place mentally, early on in my life.
Bring on every single second of existence I'm yet to experience!!!
) with the usual dramas thrown in.
