You’ve heard it asked a thousand times, can money buy you happiness?
On a walk through a seaside village in Cyprus, Karletta meets a neighbour in his orange grove who offers a playful and different perspective.
In a moment filled with generosity, and the sweetness of shared connection, this story invites you to reflect on your own life, and the way you're living it.
Life Lessons & Key Themes From This Story
True happiness isn’t about how much money we have, but how we use it to experience, live and give.
If we’re open to receiving, we’ll find life’s greatest lessons are passed down in everyday encounters.
The beauty of life reveals itself in ordinary moments: in nature, in generosity, in being fully present.
Sometimes, the sweetest gifts are unexpected. A smile, a story, or a handful of oranges.
Joy is rooted in community, in the kindness of neighbours, the sharing of stories, and the everyday bonds that give life meaning.
Be open to learning from people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Ask questions. Listen with an open heart. This builds empathy and understanding in a world that needs it.
Sometimes, a detour leads us exactly where we’re meant to be.
A lesson given in love and laughter is likely to be received, shared and remembered.
📍 From Cyprus: One of many true stories from around the world sharing life’s wisdom, neighbourly kindness, and the beauty found in everyday encounters.
We take a detour on our walk this morning. As we head down the track leading to the beach, we hear a voice call out ...
“My friends … my loves …”
We back up a little to see one of our neighbours sitting in the centre of his orange grove. He smiles and waves us over. “Ela, ela.”
We make our way to him, stepping over fallen oranges and branches scattered on the ground.
A Slice of Wisdom Under the Orange Trees
“Isn’t it beautiful?” he says, expanding his arms.
Yes, this place is beautiful.
The Mediterranean Sea backdropped by green groves and golden mountains.
Birds fly through valleys then over beaches, singing songs as they go.
The almond trees blossom.
The oranges are sweet.
Life is sweet.
When he speaks, he waves his hands about, with a knife, full of enthusiasm for life. He’s of an older generation, a different world, so I take my chance to gather a piece of well-earned wisdom…
What’s the Secret of Happiness?
I ask, “In your opinion, what’s the secret of happiness?”
He answers without hesitation. “Money!”
“But, I’ve met many people who have a lot of money, but they’re stressed about making more.”
“Aghh,” he says, waving his hands some more. “Because they’re stingy. They don’t give, they don’t know how to live.” He throws his head back with a laugh and starts counting on his fingers.
“We need money to eat, we need money for clothes, we need money to live …”
The Life Lesson
I hear the lesson spelled out on his fingers.
Money doesn’t buy you happiness.
Nor does poverty.
It’s about how we use the money.
How we are living.
How we are giving …
Money doesn’t buy you happiness.
Nor does poverty.
As we go to leave, we’re invited to take a stash of oranges with us.
“They are sweet. Very sweet,” he says, stacking John’s arms.
I glance at John sideways. We still have another 4 kilometres to walk!
“How are we going to walk with those?” I quiz.
John shrugs as I’m handed two oranges of my own.
I surrender, and we continue our walk with full hearts, arms, and pockets filled with oranges.
Back home, we make a refreshing juice.
The taste is rich, bright generous.
Our ole neighbor lived by his philosophy - giving freely, living fully with what he had. And in doing so, passed on happiness and sense of abundance that linger far beyond the grove.
Author: Meet Karletta Marie
Hi - I’m the founder of Daily Inspired Life - a space to share real-life stories that uplift, connect, heal, and transform lives. Born in Australia and now living in Cyprus, I believe in the power of narrative to change lives, build bridges, and bring more understanding into the world.
Daily Inspired Life began as a personal project and has grown into a global community of people who are actively creating a better life for themselves - and a better world for others.
It’s a space for those willing to share their truth, reflect deeply, and find meaning in both the light and shadows of life. Here, as a community, we honour everyday voices and the quiet, extraordinary courage it takes to live, to grow, and to tell your story.
I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or join our community of story lovers - people just like you, seeking more meaning, connection, and joy in everyday life.
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