In our consumer society that buys a bunch of stuff that we're told will make us happy but doesn't actually improve our lives or make us happy, what are some things that you bought at any point in your life that actually made a memorable, meaningful, and sustainable improvement in quality of life, and why?

Mine is a side-sleeper pillow that's designed for how I sleep, because I sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed, which has all sorts of positive effects on health and daily life.

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The bedsheets. I transformed my SO’s “bachelor” looking bed of mixed pillowcases in awful colors into something super comfy, cosy, and elegant looking. It’s bourgeois but it even makes him happy.

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BCG1 love your taste!

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My puppy

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Human animal bond is super strung. I work in animal welfare.

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Ski boots - just life changing for skiing
Books - I love to read
Rice cooker - so much easier!
Espresso Machine - basically saved my life through Covid

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Just moved to CO and finally got my first pair of boots. Game changer. Rice maker is also a must if you eat rice on any regular basis.

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Le Creuset

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Yeah. Got a giant Le Creuset Dutch oven as a wedding gift. Was afraid to touch it for about four years. Now it's like the star of my kitchen, i use it all the time. Love it.

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I’m older than (I think) any of my fellow fishes and learned an important lesson. Buy only what brings you joy. Sometimes that’s cheap like some very cool vintage martini glasses or a book on Italian verbs. Sometimes it’s expensive like a trip to Europe or fancy electronics or a car. I think it takes some years to really know what that means but give it some thought. I guess Joy means that it makes you feel great every time you see or use it.

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That's good advice. What's memorable, meaningful, and made a positive difference in one person's life in these comments doesn't necessarily mean it'll make that difference in somebody else's life. Thanks!

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My bike! I’ve had lots of adventures on it with lots of great people.

Also books, especially ones that I read with friends.

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Theragun mini. It’s made a huge (positive) difference in the frequency, duration, and severity of my tension headaches.

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A cabin on the lake in the Poconos and my wine club.

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Good socks

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A good water bottle
Wireless headphones
Skis

But also what if the act of discovering/acquiring something new just makes you happy?

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Skiing def kills seasonal depression for me. I love the winter now

My quality hiking gear - boots, apparel, spikes etc. Getting outdoors on a regular basis does wonders for your mental health, not to mention the physical benefits of climbing up significant elevation. Good gear makes it much more enjoyable and safer

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Decent mattress (not necessarily expensive just whatever is comfortable)

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Good shoes, good headphones made a distinct positive impact on my day-to-day. Seeing my toddler in nice/ cool little outfits also makes me happy and proud, because I used to feel very self-conscious about my “practical” clothes when I was a child, so it makes me feel like all the work leading up to where I’m now was not for nothing.

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1) headphones
2) comfortable shoes (I travel for work, so this has helped my back soo much)
3) travel backpack (I used to only buy cheap ones under $30 but then when I started having back problems I decided to invest in a mid-range one. It has been AWESOME.)
4) a constellation cross-stitch of the date my SO and I became a couple. It’s just decor but it’s a statement piece for us :) it brings us joy!
5) a dress from kate spade that I really wanted. Found it on sale for $80 at an outlet and I love it 🥰

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I resonate HARD with the backpack one, both for the comfort and also paying for quality. I used to go through $100 backpacks once a year, but I have been using the same $200 Topo Designs Klettersack for the past 7 years, and it probably has another 5 years in it. I paid a bit more, but I'm saving so much in return.

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Low end; Powerstep protech orthotics for sneakers and casual shoes. High end: a sculpture.

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OP, could you please post the link for the pillow? Thanks!

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It's called the Zoey Pillow

Side Sleeper Pillow - Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping - Queen Size Bed Pillow with Removable Washable Case - Back and Shoulder Support with Adjustable Memory Foam - 19" X 29" by Zoey Sleep https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY47VB3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_Y3BA0X0Q0A55SAWCX0BV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

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Bigger house.

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My “joy” things tend to center around cooking. Plus some other things noted above. My Tumi backpack was a gift. I got some great VModa headphones for home. Some cool secondhand vintage clothes. And travel!

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Some things that I buy regularly or have bought that positively impacted my life

- Good mattress and pillow
- Regular massages
- Fitness tracker
- Personal trainer
- Regular vacations

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So many for me!!

Used luxury car: rides much better & a lot of fun to drive. Was previously driving a 10 yr old avg car and new one brings a lot of joy!
Expensive mattress: sleep like a baby
Quality gym clothes: I love working out in different styles, so durable and comfortable clothes that last take away stress & frustration from cheap ones that I previously used
Expensive cookware/kitchenware: I love eating & cooking lol and I want my food to taste good
Quality fragrances: smell much better
Expensive TV: viewing experiences is sooo joyful!
Expensive wireless buds & bluetooth speakers: music/sound is way better
Quality furniture: lasts forever, looks better too
House: self explanatory lol paying rent for an apt is so saddening to me imo
Luxury bath products: feels like an at home 🌟spa🌟
Expensive makeup/skincare: skin improves, looks better, feel prettier

Lol I could go on and on! Maybe it's because I grew up poor & had to struggle thru cheaper lifestyle & products, maybe I'm just materialistic. But each time I purchase something better than what I was previously using, I get really happy to be able to enjoy higher quality & better experiences that come along with them, even if materialistic.

Of course, moderation is key! I don't just go about buying everything I can get my hands on. And I still purchase cheap stuff all the time! I shop sales/discounts and buy when I need and if my budget permits. The patience definitely increases the joy felt when finally purchasing something expensive that I had my eye on. 🙂

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