Have you ever heard about those studies where they say that lottery winners are miserable? Apparently it is false (see Forbes link below). I was under the impression that once people won the lottery, they probably felt really great for a month or two, and then after experiencing all of the troubles that potentially come with a lot of money, became very unhappy.
There’s also this concept of the hedonic treadmill, meaning that we go back to our “normal” level of happiness, after experiencing brief positive or negative responses to the ups and downs of life.
Plus. There’s that saying- money can’t buy happiness. I think this is true to an extent. But living in poverty brings a lot of stress, and a certain amount of money for food, water, shelter, etc. is absolutely necessary.
Anyway, I don’t play the lottery! Sometimes I’ll get tickets for Christmas, and I always lose (except for $5 here and there). I’d rather save my five bucks. Or get a coffee, although that much money isn’t going to get me anything fancy to drink. This past Christmas, I did win five dollars and cashed in my ticket, put my money in my wallet, and walked right out of the gas station. I am on a savings mission this year!
If I did win the lottery, I’d do what everyone else probably does, and go on vacation, work less, donate more, spend more time with my family and friends, have more time for hobbies. Open a book shop. 😛
What would you do? Do you think lottery winners are happier? Do you ever play the lottery? Or are you an abstainer like me? 😀
Writing RN 
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