Crazy !

[ton312]

The idea that money can’t buy you happiness is so true. It can afford you a certain lifestyle, allow for many possessions, make you friends and position you in society. But it can’t make you truly happy. I believe that collecting things, whatever they may be, is actually a sign of sorrow and an attempt to fill a void.

In looking at my own “collecting habit” I’ve learned that the thing that makes me happiest is the design and anticipation. The temporary happiness after that is quickly vanquished so as the misery creeps back in I repeat the process at great personal expense and loss. I’ve often wondered if I like leather jackets at all...I don’t think I do. I certainly admire them but... They are never my first choice when leaving the house. Yet I return to them because of the above mentioned ancillary aspects I enjoy.

So I watched children in Africa with massive lacerations on their shaved heads scoop water out of puddles into discarded paint buckets sing me a good morning song everyday. Dancing and smiling in tattered clothing and busted shoes. With full hearts and the kind of happiness I have seldom, very briefly known. So who is the rich person in this scenario? I have material comforts that they do not. But I suspect they are rich in a way that I cannot ever be and will never even understand. Perhaps I do, when I have my wife and daughter snuggled up under each arm and we are truly together.
Sorry for the semi-tangent stream of consciousness. Airing it out on Sunday I guess.

 

[Dm101]

@red devil, I agree with that.
That's a good idea for a thread in fact! 'What other things do jacket junkies feel it's not ok to go for the cheapest option?'
For me, after I've met all my financial responsibilities, and put a little into the kids college fund, I'll happily pay for business class flights, some clothes, Cohibas Esplendidos, imported cheese and chocolate, and brand name medication.
I always go for the cheapest cotton socks, I'll never buy champagne more expensive than Moët, and my white T-shirts come in packs of six from Costco.
Anyone else?

Holy crap...Costco sells 6-packs of button up white shirts!?!
Jesus man...I did not know that!!
[emoji50]
I know where I'll be going this afternoon!!!

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[navetsea]

I’ve learned that the thing that makes me happiest is the design and anticipation. The temporary happiness after that is quickly vanquished so as the misery creeps back in

a GW for your final jacket?

 

[willyto]

a GW for your final jacket?

That would give him either eternal happiness or sorrow.

 

[Superfluous]

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Well...I lost my Wife of 38 years to colon and liver cancer in November of 2016. That changed everything in my life. Then in February of 2017 I was diagnosed with the same thing ( only not as advanced ). After months of chemo and specialized treatment I have come to appreciate the little things, perhaps much more important things in life. Plus now recognizing better the blessings I do receive daily when often I was once too busy to stop and realize those important events.

However, I must admit that sometimes I must make my own joy as many days can seem dreary fighting this stuff ( mainly the chemo which can seem much more debilitating than the cancer ) and also the passing of my Wife. So a new Thedi jacket can brighten my day too, you see, and I am fortunate to financially be able to make it happen. Many friends comment that I look good and not so sickly ( as maybe I should ) so a well fitting leather jacket can add to those compliments and make my day. In fact grabbing it going out the door often brings a smile to my face.

I too don't believe that money can buy happiness...or complete happiness. Many ingredients go into that mixture. Yet there can be many joys in life to be appreciated. That may be one of the keys...appreciation.

Tomorrow I'm going in the hospital for surgery to remove the mass on my colon as they were able to kill the cancer on my liver last fall, then there is a chance that I will be cancer free. After a few days of recovery I can get back home and the blessings I have waiting on me there. No partner now...but still the comfort, security, and yes some material possessions that I was fortunate to acquired by years of work and making that money.

So for me there are different ways of looking at things. How does one find, obtain or capture happiness..?? Perhaps it is not so difficult and actually simple to wrap your arms around if you stop and take time to focus. Don't rule anything out as a combination of things can lead us in that direction IMO.

HD

 

[dannyk]

Well...I lost my Wife of 38 years to colon and liver cancer in November of 2016. That changed everything in my life. Then in February of 2017 I was diagnosed with the same thing ( only not as advanced ). After months of chemo and specialized treatment I have come to appreciate the little things, perhaps much more important things in life. Plus now recognizing better the blessings I do receive daily when often I was once too busy to stop and realize those important events.

However, I must admit that sometimes I must make my own joy as many days can seem dreary fighting this stuff ( mainly the chemo which can seem much more debilitating than the cancer ) and also the passing of my Wife. So a new Thedi jacket can brighten my day too, you see, and I am fortunate to financially be able to make it happen. Many friends comment that I look good and not so sickly ( as maybe I should ) so a well fitting leather jacket can add to those compliments and make my day. In fact grabbing it going out the door often brings a smile to my face.

I too don't believe that money can buy happiness...or complete happiness. Many ingredients go into that mixture. Yet there can be many joys in life to be appreciated. That may be one of the keys...appreciation.

Tomorrow I'm going in the hospital for surgery to remove the mass on my colon as they were able to kill the cancer on my liver last fall, then there is a chance that I will be cancer free. After a few days of recovery I can get back home and the blessings I have waiting on me there. No partner now...but still the comfort, security, and yes some material possessions that I was fortunate to acquired by years of work and making that money.

So for me there are different ways of looking at things. How does one find, obtain or capture happiness..?? Perhaps it is not so difficult and actually simple to wrap your arms around if you stop and take time to focus. Don't rule anything out as a combination of things can lead us in that direction IMO.

HD

HD people on TFL have argued and bickered. May have completely different walks of life and political ideas. I’m sure at some point we scuffled over something haha. But I can say we all respect and value you here. You’re a very valued member of our little online community. Ill be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping everything continues on the current path it sounds like you’re on. For myself I truly value the friendships I’ve made here and think TFL really is more than just a bunch of guys who like fashion or certain eras etc...it’s a great forum to be a member of.

 

[Hh121]

Reading comments from Ton and HD warms my heart, thank you and God bless you.

 

[jacketjunkie]

Well said @HoosierDaddy and best of luck tomorrow!

I used to be one of these people who said money isn't that important. Probably because I have heard that a lot from my parents. "Money isn't that important". Then I read a book, I believe it was Commonwealth by Joey Goebel, in which there is a dialogue where one person says the same thing, "money isnt important". The other person replies with "It's always the people that have money who say that." And I believe there is some truth to it. Enough truth to make me stop use that phrase. No matter how happy your life is, sooner or later in life, you'll face harsh times, you'll face troubles and serious problems and the truth is, most problems you can solve with money, with money and nothing else. Some problems you won't even ever face if you have money. Does money make you happy? Nah. But it lays a good and solid foundation for a happy life, where as a happy life with no money can go to fire and ashes in a blink of a second.

As for what does make you happy for real, I have taken a few courses in psychology and got to read a few pieces there that suggested the human being is a social being and as a result of that our mind reacts very positively on others appreciation and respect. Family, healthy work environment, good neighbourhood, friends, all these give us that feeling of being appreciated, respected, loved and that makes us happy.

Anyways... maybe I should post a picture of a jacket now to pretend this thread isn't completly offtopic at this point?

 

[ProteinNerd]

@Hosserdaddy I‘m so sorry to hear this. I had garnered bits and pieces but didn’t know the whole story.

I was “lucky” in that the cancer I had a few years ago in my neck, working its way to my brain was chemo and radio therapy resistance. The only treatment is to cut it out and hope for the best. I needed a few surgeries as the sneaky bugger kept being outside the margins of the removal but they were confident they got it all in the end. A few years of very nervous bi-annual CT scans and it seems they did get it all. So while I can appreciate some of what you are going through, my experience seems like a walk in the park compared to losing your wife and the ongoing effects of chemo....I truely wish you all the best and hope to see you back here asap.

 

[ton312]

Absolutely true @HoosierDaddy! It is the little bits and pieces that form the whole. Best of luck in your battle, you will prevail. I’m sure you know it already but a positive attitude is the most valuable and powerful weapon you can yield.

 

[jeo]

Well...I lost my Wife of 38 years to colon and liver cancer in November of 2016. That changed everything in my life. Then in February of 2017 I was diagnosed with the same thing ( only not as advanced ). After months of chemo and specialized treatment I have come to appreciate the little things, perhaps much more important things in life. Plus now recognizing better the blessings I do receive daily when often I was once too busy to stop and realize those important events.

However, I must admit that sometimes I must make my own joy as many days can seem dreary fighting this stuff ( mainly the chemo which can seem much more debilitating than the cancer ) and also the passing of my Wife. So a new Thedi jacket can brighten my day too, you see, and I am fortunate to financially be able to make it happen. Many friends comment that I look good and not so sickly ( as maybe I should ) so a well fitting leather jacket can add to those compliments and make my day. In fact grabbing it going out the door often brings a smile to my face.

I too don't believe that money can buy happiness...or complete happiness. Many ingredients go into that mixture. Yet there can be many joys in life to be appreciated. That may be one of the keys...appreciation.

Tomorrow I'm going in the hospital for surgery to remove the mass on my colon as they were able to kill the cancer on my liver last fall, then there is a chance that I will be cancer free. After a few days of recovery I can get back home and the blessings I have waiting on me there. No partner now...but still the comfort, security, and yes some material possessions that I was fortunate to acquired by years of work and making that money.

So for me there are different ways of looking at things. How does one find, obtain or capture happiness..?? Perhaps it is not so difficult and actually simple to wrap your arms around if you stop and take time to focus. Don't rule anything out as a combination of things can lead us in that direction IMO.

HD

Until it hit home I never realized how many people are affected by this horrible disease (I lost my father to pancreatic cancer 3 years ago and I’ll be visiting my aunt and uncle this week in LA who are now in remission.)

Good luck with the surgery! My thoughts and prayers are with you HD!


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[Horseoak]

Well...I lost my Wife of 38 years to colon and liver cancer in November of 2016. That changed everything in my life. Then in February of 2017 I was diagnosed with the same thing ( only not as advanced ). After months of chemo and specialized treatment I have come to appreciate the little things, perhaps much more important things in life. Plus now recognizing better the blessings I do receive daily when often I was once too busy to stop and realize those important events.

However, I must admit that sometimes I must make my own joy as many days can seem dreary fighting this stuff ( mainly the chemo which can seem much more debilitating than the cancer ) and also the passing of my Wife. So a new Thedi jacket can brighten my day too, you see, and I am fortunate to financially be able to make it happen. Many friends comment that I look good and not so sickly ( as maybe I should ) so a well fitting leather jacket can add to those compliments and make my day. In fact grabbing it going out the door often brings a smile to my face.

I too don't believe that money can buy happiness...or complete happiness. Many ingredients go into that mixture. Yet there can be many joys in life to be appreciated. That may be one of the keys...appreciation.

Tomorrow I'm going in the hospital for surgery to remove the mass on my colon as they were able to kill the cancer on my liver last fall, then there is a chance that I will be cancer free. After a few days of recovery I can get back home and the blessings I have waiting on me there. No partner now...but still the comfort, security, and yes some material possessions that I was fortunate to acquired by years of work and making that money.

So for me there are different ways of looking at things. How does one find, obtain or capture happiness..?? Perhaps it is not so difficult and actually simple to wrap your arms around if you stop and take time to focus. Don't rule anything out as a combination of things can lead us in that direction IMO.

HD

Get well and recover soon sir. The pursuit of quality is certainly a nice part of life so get well quickly.

 

[jeo]

As a former member of AIGA (American institute of graphic arts) I had found out about an exhibition called “The Happy Show” by graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister which started out as an experiment by which he tried to increase his happiness via meditation, cognitive therapy and mind altering drugs. It eventually turned into this exhibition where over a period of 10 years he researched works done by many different psychologists throughout the years and presents it through this very graphic and interactive exhibition. I’ve never taken any psychology courses or anything like that so it was extremely fascinating to me. A few things I learned after going to this exhibition in relation to what’s being discussed here with regards to money vs happiness (I forget the names of these psychologists) but they found that money only buys happiness up until $75,000/yr earnings. Beyond that money has no real impact on happiness. And even then they say it only covers the first two stages (and maybe a little of the third and fourth stages) of the Maslow hierarchy of needs, which tries to explore the different stages of human growth and basic human motivations.

Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Mr. Sagmeister. It more directly relates to the correlation of happiness and things/items/products. Again..fascinating!

“Mr. Sagmeister, can a designed product make someone happier?

Right now over 50% of the world’s population live in cities. For this part of the population, everything around them has been designed, from the contact lens, to the cloth, the chair, the room, the house, the street, the park, the city. These designed surroundings play exactly the same role for a city dweller as nature does for an indigenous person living in a rain forest. They can be designed well or badly. They will make a difference.

There are of course many products out there that do make our life easier, but we tend to only notice them when they fail badly. I can be in a plane going up and completely ignore the fact what an incredible piece of design it really is. I'll only really notice it when it crashes.”


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[Woodtroll]

Tomorrow I'm going in the hospital for surgery to remove the mass on my colon...

Best of luck to you during your surgery, HD, and wishes for a full and prompt recovery.

 

[navetsea]

Good luck with your surgery HD, and for speedy recovery

my father had it too, my grandfather had lung cancer, sometime we forgot other people are human and have their personal struggle in their life too, sometime when impatient driver keep on pushing behind me, rather than thinking he is a jerk i tend to think of reason that he might be in hurry for something really matters to him, maybe he was just a jerk though.

 

[avique]

Best of luck with surgery!!!!!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Thanks so much for all your well wishes and concern. Means a lot to me.
HD

 

[ksozay]

The FDL village stands with you HD.

Fortunate is the one, capable of having the time and wisdom to reflect and appreciate that which can be found in the vault that holds our memories. May ever single memory of your wife be as clear today, tomorrow and the rest of your days - as the moment it was created.

There is still much for you to accomplish in this life. Thank you for sharing some it here with us.

To the future!


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[Seb Lucas]

Thanks so much for all your well wishes and concern. Means a lot to me.
HD

Please accept my best wishes and concern too HD. You're a trusted straight shooter here and one of our most valued members. I was very sorry to learn this news. I lost my Mum to cancer last Christmas and it's tough. My Dad's 96 and he was married to her for 65 years. Can't imagine what he's had to deal with. Take care of yourself, HD.