Happiness is a sensation that almost everyone seeks yet that many find difficult to actually experience. Perhaps it’s because of how they approach it, but most people have a tendency to believe things like, “When I accomplish this goal, I’ll be happy,” “When I get this promotion, I’ll finally be happy,” or “When I find ‘The One,’ I’ll be so happy.” Individuals forget that happiness isn’t found at the conclusion of the road, but rather in the small things along the way since they spend so much time and energy preparing and working towards their objectives.
If you can’t appreciate the journey, ultimately, when you get to the place you’ve worked so hard to attain, you’ll experience momentary happiness until you consider a new objective you need to accomplish to feel happy once more. Happiness is ultimately a mirage—it appears genuine, but it is transitory and vanishes when you reach it. It is a ridiculous game that is performed.
Finding Joy in the Small Things
Consider the last time you took a bubble bath, dove into a puddle, or explored to look for bugs on the ground. You most likely don’t recall, to be honest. Even more so today when you are surrounded by things to compare yourself to all the time (thanks to social media!). Sadness and despair might result from worrying excessively about what you’re not, what you wish you were, or what you wish you had.
Finding delight in the simple things is the key to true happiness. You are giving yourself the chance to be reminded of all the small things that made you happy when you were younger and probably still make you happy today when you can physically stop and smell the flowers. The simple things in life can help us fight off negative emotions like melancholy, fear, and emptiness. You’ll rediscover delight by turning to the simple things once more.
How might you begin to enjoy the simple things in life by concentrating on them? For starters, it’s crucial to remember that every moment counts, especially this one, at this second.
1: use the pause button.
Take a moment to appreciate this time. Consider your feelings, your surroundings, and the environment you have built for yourself. You may recognize and enjoy the everyday delights all around you by taking a moment to breathe.
2: Don’t take major risks.
Say “yes” to opportunities that you may otherwise pass up due to your hectic schedule. Say yes to pausing all work so you may enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. Even if you have laundry to do, say yes to reading a few chapters of the book you began a while back.
3. Think Like a Child
Give yourself permission to revert to your youthful, wonder- and curiosity-filled emotions. Try something that you would have enjoyed doing as a child.
