top of page

Mary's Moments Blog Post

Neologisms

Neologisms refer to newly coined words or expressions, or the new meanings assigned to existing words. Usually this is in the form of the following examples: 


  • Smoke + Fog = SMOG

  • Breakfast + Lunch = BRUNCH

  • Skirt / Short = SKORT


However, our ideas of success, wealth, and what’s cool are changing. We’re starting to see that happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness are more valuable than money or status. People are realizing that true fulfillment comes from within and from how we treat ourselves and others.


Here are some modern neologisms. These phrases capture today's values in a catchy and easy-to-understand way. They show how society's attitudes and people's goals have changed over time.


Happiness is the new Rich

 

Inner Peace is the new Success

 

Health is the new Wealth

 

Kindess is the new Cool

 

How many once thought that being rich was the key to happiness? Chasing after money, working long hours, and saving, thinking it would bring joy?


Hopefully at some point we all realize that the moments that truly make us happy are the simple ones: spending time with family, laughing with friends, going for a walk, taking time to read and relax.


Understanding that happiness isn't about accumulating wealth but rather the love and joy experienced every day. It is the new measure of success, and feels richer than ever.


“Happiness is the new rich” means that instead of measuring success by how much money or stuff someone has, more of us are now looking at how happy and content we are. Happiness includes good mental and physical health, strong relationships, and the freedom to do what you love. After a certain point, more money doesn’t make people happier. Though it can make the more difficult days a bit easier, the fact remains that chasing wealth can sometimes lead to stress and unhappiness.


A recent study found that 80% of people think happiness is more important than wealth. Another survey showed that people who value time over money do tend to be happier. This is because spending time on things you enjoy, like hobbies, exercise, and being with loved ones, makes people feel better than just having more money. It’s clear that as society grows, so does our idea of what it means to be truly rich. Focusing on happiness might be the key.


Something to ponder:

 

Give more than you take each day,

Great ideas don’t rush—they stay.

What’s real will always outshine play,

Keep your heart open wide.


Cherish friends and help them through,

Lend a hand—it's good to do.

A “thank you” never feels untrue,

Spread kindness far and wide.


Push ahead when times are tough,

Look for gems in things so rough.

Don’t let stuff define enough,

Simple joys are best.


Hug the ones you love so tight,

Be the spark that brings them light.

Live this way, and you just might

Feel truly rich and blessed.


For years, I personally believed that success meant climbing the corporate ladder, earning promotions, and gaining recognition. I pushed myself hard, often feeling stressed and overwhelmed. One day, after a particularly tough week, I took a quiet walk over the lunch hour and felt a sense of calm wash over me. In that peaceful moment, I realized that true success wasn't about titles or achievements, but about feeling content and at peace with myself. I began to prioritize my well-being. Inner peace became my new measure of success, and I felt so much better.


"Inner peace is the new success" means that feeling calm and content inside is more important than just having a lot of money or a big job title. Achieving inner peace involves managing stress, finding balance in life, and being happy with yourself. More people are realizing that without inner peace, even big achievements can feel empty.


A study by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that people who practice mindfulness and meditation report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower stress. Another survey by the Global Wellness Institute showed that 40% of people are more focused on wellness and mental health now than they were five years ago. This shows that more and more Canadians are valuing inner peace and well-being over traditional success.


This new focus on inner peace is changing how we live our lives. People are spending more time on activities that promote calmness and happiness, like yoga, nature walks, and quality time with loved ones. By prioritizing inner peace, we can lead more fulfilling lives, proving that true success does come from within.


Interesting (and popular) read by Chanie Gorkin:

 

Today was the absolute worst day ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look

This world is a pretty evil place

Even if

Some goodness does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

True happiness can be obtained

Only if one’s surroundings are good

It’s not true that good exists

I’m sure you can agree that

The reality

Creates

My attitude

It’s all beyond my control

And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that

Today was a good day.

 

NOW READ IT FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP.


When I was younger, I used to think having money would be the answer to all. I worked long hours, often skipping meals and sleep, thinking I could enjoy life later. But then, I started getting sick more often, and my energy levels dropped. One day, a friend invited me to join a yoga class, and I decided to give it a try. Slowly, I began to change my lifestyle. I started eating more fruits and vegetables and cut down on junk food. I made time for regular exercise. I also made sure to get enough sleep each night. It helped considerably however, it wasn’t until after my accident and packing in the corporate life that I really noticed a big shift. I'm still working on my health goals. It's a constant effort, but I feel better every day. It took me a long time to understand that good health is more valuable than money. You can always earn money, but if your health is not good, everything else suffers.


"Health is the new wealth” means that being healthy is the most important thing in the world. Good health allows you to enjoy life, do the things you love, and spend time with the people you care about. Without good health, even the richest person can't truly enjoy their wealth. So, people are starting to prioritize their physical and mental well-being over accumulating material wealth.


There are some interesting statistics that show this shift. For example, a study by the Canadian Health Association found that 70% of Canadians believe that health is more important than wealth. Another survey showed that people who regularly exercise and eat well report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. In fact, regular physical activity has been linked to a 30% reduction in the risk of depression and anxiety.


This new focus on health is definitely changing how people live their lives. Prioritizing health has proven that true wealth comes from being healthy and feeling good.


When I was in elementary school, I thought being cool meant having the latest gadgets and wearing trendy clothes. I tried hard to fit in and impress others. One day, I saw a classmate being bullied and, without thinking, I stepped in to help. After that, I started focusing more on being kind to others—helping friends with their homework, listening when someone needed to talk, and being there for people in small but meaningful ways. I noticed that kindness made me feel good inside and brought genuine friends into my life.


"Kindness is the new cool" is a phrase that captures how being kind is seen as the best way to be. More and more are realizing that showing kindness and compassion is more impressive than being trendy or popular. Being kind not only makes others feel good, but it also creates a positive atmosphere and strengthens relationships. Kindness is contagious; when you show kindness, it often encourages others to do the same.


Studies have shown that acts of kindness can boost your mood and even improve your health. For example, research by the University of British Columbia found that people who perform kind acts experience a significant increase in happiness. Another survey found that 70% of people believe that kindness is one of the most important qualities in a person, more valued than physical appearance or social status.


This focus on kindness is changing how people interact with each other. Schools are promoting kindness through programs and activities, and many workplaces are encouraging a culture of kindness and respect. By valuing kindness, we create more supportive and inclusive communities.


Some people look for a beautiful place.  Others make a place beautiful. 

 

As we go through our lives, what really makes us happy and successful is changing. Finding peace within ourselves, taking care of our health, and being kind are becoming more important than just having lots of money or popularity. By focusing on these things—our well-being, our relationships, and how we treat others—we can find true happiness and make a positive difference in the world. We just need to always remember: happiness is more valuable than wealth, peace is real success, good health is priceless, and kindness is a great trait to have.



Anywhere you go can be a happy place.

Any day you’re a part of can be instantly brighter; and

Anything you do is sure to be good.

 

2 views

Related Posts

See All
bottom of page