When You Grow Older, You Experience More Than Things

I volunteer at a yoga studio, and I love that place!  Every week, I have very deep and meaningful talks with my colleagues/friends.  One topic that came up and is still in the back of my mind is that, as you grow older and become more mature, you learn to appreciate the little things and the experiences more.  Don’t get me wrong, having the ability to buy is still gratifying but my point is, I think that there is a difference between chasing materials and chasing experiences.
 
I did some thinking about my past.  
 
In my teenage and young adult years, I remember thinking about earning money just to buy all the prettiest things.  For the most part, I think everyone has this desire.  I would buy so many beautiful clothes and accessories that I thought I would wear but I never ended up wearing them - some of which are still sitting in my closet.  Isn’t this the craziest thing?  It’s such a waste of money to only feel happy for a split of a second. I experience a lot of buyer’s remorse, to say the least.  
 
In my mid-twenties, my group of friends have become smaller.  I don’t think that is a bad thing though; I believe people drift apart because everyone learns to find their own direction and interests.  What’s important is that I remember all the happy memories we have experienced together.  Usually, the greatest memories are the birthday gatherings, 20-30 people all coming together just to have a beach day or a dinner.  I think the gifts were a bonus – but I can barely remember what they were, what was important was everyone hanging out and laughing, and that’s what I actually remember.
 
Not too long ago, a few of my closest friends went on a girls’ trip to Los Angeles.  It was a lot of fun!  What made this trip so fun is that we shared the same interests and wanted to do the same things.  We all went there to sightsee the city.  The highlight of the trip was us getting lost and finding a place called The Grove.  The scariest part of the trip was driving in Los Angeles traffic!  At the end of it all, the memories and experiences will stay with me forever.
 
Even when I am not going on travel adventures with my friends, having coffee catch up time and study dates make me extremely happy.  Why do you say?  It’s because I don't feel that I am wasting my time.  I know that the meet up will either make me laugh or teach me something.  As I said, you just learn to appreciate the little things more.
 
Now that I’m almost turning 29, I think I realize that materialistic items only make me happy for a short while. Being older and more mature, I learn that the little things like spending time with family and friends, or going to find new adventures are going to make me happier. 
 
With society and social media emphasizing and swaying you in different directions. You need to stop and think for a second to see what is actually going to make you happy in the long run.  Will this add more value to your life?  Is this worth your time? Is this worth your money? Is this going to bring you experience?
 
Please share some of your thoughts.

Bye World,
​Serena