Path to Happiness: Appreciating the Simple Things in Life

As humans, we are mostly unhappy because we focus on the wrong things. Many understand that the simple things in life are the major sources of happiness; they just fail to appreciate their presence at all times. Indeed, the simple things in life are like those stars that shine on a clear night. Always offering their subtle magic: we just have to look up and appreciate them. 

It is almost ironic that most of us only turn to the little things in life when we are faced with a small or a big setback. When the going is good, we are almost oblivious of these little things that create the music that pleases our souls and brings more meaning to our existence. It is the major reason people find themselves sad from time to time.

There is a concrete belief that the people who choose a simpler way of life have fewer worries and make fewer mistakes. We all have the liberty to accept more complications in our lives. We can accept as many risks as possible, create big dreams, and embark on multiple projects. The reality, however, is that these complications are the major sources of unhappiness. 

Make no mistake about it: the key is not just to lead a simple life. It is more like keeping simple thoughts and understanding what matters most to our hearts. Knowing what makes us happy, we can easily get to the position where we can build our own microuniverses. 

The Greatest Things in Life Are the Simple Things 

As much as we desire several other things, the average human wants to be happy. But what does it mean to be happy? The best explanation we have seen in a long while is this:

Being happy is closing your eyes and not desiring anything else, and for this, simply stop measuring happiness by the money we have or don't have, but rather by those things that we would not change for all the money in the world.

Every one of us has more than one thing we wouldn't change, even if we have all the money in the world. For most people, it is their spouse; for others, it is their wonderful children; and for another set, it is their pets. What these special things give to each individual is priceless, so they wouldn’t dare trade them for anything at all. 

One of the problems we have as humans is the fact that life is not often easy. It is always difficult to get most of the things we want the way we want them. For instance, one may have adorable children who he/she wants to spend all the time with, but they will need to work long hours to afford the money for the upkeep of the children. This means they will have to be with them for a few hours each day.

Undoubtedly, most of us will want life to be easier. We expect our efforts to yield the results we desire, and when things seem not to be moving as we believe they should, we feel lost. The pressure from day to day obligations will mount without mercy, shifting our focus from the things that really matter most to us. Focusing on the simple things that bring happiness becomes very difficult. There are a few ways to deal with the challenges, which we will dwell on right away. 

Lead A Full and Conscious Life 

To lead a full and conscious life, you need to remain aware of what point in your life you are at, and live in the present. The present means here and now, and you need to live in it more often than not. 

It is also important that you listen to your heart and understand it perfectly. Knowing what your heart is telling you at any point will help you live happier, even when you have challenges. Your heart can peacefully convince you to choose to spend more time with your family to enjoy the bliss, rather than working long hours to get more money.

Living a full life also entails that you understand that every effort you make counts. They may make you happier or give your loved ones a higher level of happiness. In any case, you will be aware that your efforts are all worthwhile.

You also need to understand the importance of balance in your life. If you can consider it as a circle, you will understand that if there is no balance between yourself and the things that surround you, happiness will continue to elude you. 

Finding Pleasure in Simplicity Is an Attitude 

It is no secret that most people lack an understanding of how to enjoy the simple things that life offers – the very things that bring happiness. The problem, for some people, is that they are unable to even see these little things. Some see them but do not fully appreciate them. The modern man is more inclined towards material attachments. These attachments offer instant gratifications, which doesn't really last.

Enjoying the simple things of life is actually an attitude. Many who have benefited from them the most are those who have developed an adequate internal peace without artifice. Such individuals have embarked on a long journey, during which they experienced an act of conscience and became aware of pleasures they hadn’t taken into account. They suddenly realized that there are so many simple, yet wonderful things they have neglected in a long while. 

Knowing that simplicity of thought and emotions helps tremendously in finding happiness, do not hesitate to practice it. The happiness that comes from appreciating the simple things of life is eternal. It is the sort of happiness that lasts. The sort you need.