I often stop at the same gas station each week to fill up on gas. The cost is generally about 10 cents more per gallon than another station further down the street. Why do I knowingly pay more for gas each week?

Yes. My gas buying habits result in me paying a whopping $52 more per year. And, yes, those pennies add up.

But, the station I buy from is larger, cleaner, hires more local people, has a nice store, and is closer to my home. The gas station with the lower prices has only two pumps, sits on a difficult corner to navigate, and has no store. In short, every time I go to that station, I get frustrated and annoyed. And I don’t like to feel that way.

So, what is the true cost? How much more am I paying?

I’m paying with more joy, more happiness, and more satisfaction in my life. And I don’t need to do anything in order to have all of that in my life.

It’s like that with a lot of things in our lives. Do we miss the point in our effort to “save” a few pennies? There are choices we face everyday that can result in “paying more” but add so much more to our lives. Driving on a scenic side road can add 15 minutes or more to a daily commute, but allow you to enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Shopping at a local farmer’s market can add extra time to your weekly shopping, but give you the opportunity to create new traditions with your family and friends.

How many other examples can you think of in your own life? How often do you make choices based purely on what you think you’re saving instead of looking at the bigger picture?

There’s more to life than the bottom line. And that’s the bottom line.