The older I grow the more complicated things become or appear to become and finding happiness without compromise seems always just out of reach but sometimes things astonish.

I know this will require some clarification so here is my simple attempt.

When I was a child an action man, tree, bicycle or Lego would keep me amused for hours with my imagination the limit for my enjoyment and plots. There were casualties. Knees of trousers lasted a few days, stairs became battle grounds and holes in the veg patch turned into trenches but these were all fixable and by the by.

Happiness was a constant companion and stress accompanied by black moods were the infrequent and unwanted guests in my mind.

Even without the toys trees and free time were areas for action and fun.

The sad reality is that life takes over, or it did for me, responsibility becomes a constant shadow and the mind fills up with so much rubbish that focus looses its way. Chemicals and connections in the brain become blocked or confused.

One acclimatised to being stressed and moody to the point of normality and this is just not right. It takes close friends and family to point this out and if you are lucky, (like I am experiencing) then the realisation that somethings can change is fantastic. Pills, therapy and self-help go a long way to assisting but the cure can’t start until one accepts the problem and admits there is something wrong.

I appreciate I have touched on this subject before but stay with me as I have seen another angle to this subject.

Okay, as I’ve said pills, therapy and acceptance help but other things seem to trigger positive reactions too. I have no idea whether this is to do with my attitude change, the re-balancing of the brain’s chemicals or its coincidences of situations in my current life that have changed for the better. I do feel happier though.

Moving on to my next point and the headline of this blog. Man, woman and machines.

Can things bring happiness? Many say they cannot but I am not so sure.

A few years ago I hastily bought a Renault Clio. Until then I had never had a new car. However, that’s all it was, a new car. Yes it did the job and it did it quite well but there was no emotion attached to it. The same can be said for many or most “things” but occasionally something comes along that puts that argument to bed for good.

This week I took ownership of a new Smart Fourtwo Brabus car in grey and black (sorry for the poor quality photo above).

So?

I shall tell you so. I love it. It brings a smile to face when I look at it. I laugh out loud when driving it. I makes me feel like a little boy with a new toy when I think about. It has brought me joy.

But its only a car! A thing! How!?

I have no idea what so ever but its a welcome addition to the family, just like the phone and Echo have been.

I know its sad but again life has appeared to take a full circle where simple things can make a huge difference and I really don’t care if this makes me come across as shallow or sad. Maybe its just coincidence too but whatever it is feeling happy, lighthearted and less stressed is brilliant and long may it last.

So can things improve one’s frame of mind?

Yes so long as they can be afforded. Yes if they do what they were designed to do and do it well. Yes so long as they don’t take over your life and those around you.

Obviously, these are my personal thoughts and reasoning’s and will not suit all.

Life is a funny experience with many a strange influence throughout.