The sun is shining, the grass is still nice and wet, the trail is covered with autumn leaves, which crackle under our feet. It’s 10.30 am, Thursday morning and we’re out for a run. For me, this is freedom. 

I don’t think it will be any different for you, but I get spammed on Instagram like crazy. Forex traders, Crypto currency specialists and other irritating people are offering me their help (duh) to become rich. But I don’t want to be rich. I already feel rich. 

See, I don’t believe money can make me happy. Let me rephrase that; I know money won’t make me happy. There is even scientific proof money doesn’t make people happy. As soon as somebody’s basic needs (food, a roof above your head) is met, more money doesn’t equal more happiness. I researched it, when Sara and I wrote Yoga della Felicita. 

Freedom to choose

For me, happiness is the freedom to go for a run, whenever I want. Like today. The sun came out at 9 am and felt great at 10 am. So now, Sara and I are out for a run. That’s something money can’t buy. That makes me feel rich. Not the numbers on my bank account. 

Dan Mace made a great movie about scam artists. You should watch it. A friend, of a friend, of a friend also pretends to be a financial guru. He lives in a tiny, shitty apartment in a bad neighborhood, drives a crappy car and can hardly pay for his groceries. Yet, he rents expensive cars and makes Instagram videos pretending it’s his car, telling you you can have one as well. If you just do an investment course with him. 

Good arguments, bad arguments

He offered me several times to teach me how to get rich. Every time I declined. Why? Because I haven’t heard one good argument from him that could convince me.

• If I am rich, I can stop working. But I don’t want to stop. I love what I do.
• If I am rich I can travel the world. But I’ve already done that and I’m happy to live where I live now.
• If I am rich, I can have any girl I want. But I love Sara and don’t want to be with any other girl.
• If I am rich, I can drink champagne and eat caviar every day. But I am not a champagne fan, and I think caviar is disgusting. I prefer kombucha and dark chocolate.
• If I am rich I can play golf whenever I want. But I don’t like to play golf. I like to run.

And the funny thing is, I can already run whenever I want. Like now.