The best things in life are certainly NOT these...

The best things in life are not things at all.

Indeed, the best things in life are intangible in nature. They include:

Love for family and friends
Peace
Health
Tranquility
Knowledge
Memories
Experiences
Comfort
Security

Let me put it this way: When you're in your dead bed, are you going to be thinking about your huge flat screen TV or sporty car?

Perhaps you'll have to if you're drawing up a will in your final hours. But other than that, why even bother thinking of them if you can't take them with you?

This certainly runs contrary to what we're taught at an early age: That life should be about pursuing the biggest and best money can buy.

Sadly, it isn't until very late into their lives that they realize this was all a crock.

I'm not saying one can't have nice things; after all, we work our butts off, so we might as well treat ourselves occassionally.

But regarding materialism as central to your happiness is taking it too far. Stuff wears and breaks, but memories -- positive ones, at least -- can remain intact until you leave the earth.

Do you reminisce about the dress you wore on prom night? Unless you had a lousy evening, you're more likely to cherish the time spent with your boyfriend or friends to close out the school year.

Do you reflect on the gifts you received on your wedding day? If your wedding was memorable, I would imagine you'd think about the smile on your wife's face as her father led her down the aisle.

Needless to say, the best things can't be touched with the hands -- but they certainly do touch our hearts, enrich our minds, and make life well worth living.

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