We are the sum of our experiences

You spent all your money on christmas decoration, on the latest trendy sneakers, on the latest high performance vacuum cleaner during these two lockdowns. And yet still have a feel of emptiness. No wonder, according to a study published in 2014 by Dr. Thomas Gilovich of Cornell University. The fact of no longer traveling decreases our tendency to be happy. Gilovich, a psychology professor, says we are happier spending money on things like going to art exhibitions, doing outdoor activities, learning a new skill, or traveling.

Thomas Gilovich worked around the Easterlin Paradox which questions the relationship between level of income and level of happiness. This research shows that the happiness linked to a material purchase will be less lasting than the happiness linked to an experience. According to him, we can think that our personality is linked to our material possessions. But they are external. On the other hand, we are the sum of our experiences. They are the ones that are remembered most because they are linked to our emotions.

So all that's left to do is be a little more patient while waiting for clearance to travel again.