The Simple Joys
A couple weeks ago I found myself reflecting on the question, “what brings me joy?”
I wasn’t being rhetorical when I asked myself that question. I was legitimately curious as to what my answer would be because at that moment, the answer wasn’t readily available to me.
Shouldn’t the answer to that question be overtly obvious?
Well, it wasn’t for me and I suspect this is likely the case for many of you too.
And if you’re like me you’ve probably found yourself circling back more frequently to reflect on this type of question. Especially, when things don’t turn out the way “they should”.
Why is this? I have a theory, a two part theory.
The first part is we’re moving too fast. We are figuratively, and in some cases literally, sprinting towards who we think, “they think” we should be.
The fervent pace in which we “chase results” in all facets of our lives leaves little to no time for us to savor a moment.
The second part is we’re too serious. We’re always looking ahead, optimizing, planning for the most productive means to the end, desperately pursuing the next milestones, and hoping for fulfillment at some imagined finish line.
This way of being distracts us from the simple joys of the present. It diverts our attention away from the life we’re actually living along with the simple joys we experience day in and day out.
Persist in these states long enough and you may start to experience signs of anhedonia, and/or find yourself in a legit classification of high functioning depression.
When I reflected on this question, it wasn’t long before I was reminded of all the simple things in life that bring me joy;
My hobbies bring me joy, when I’m present during them
A good meal brings me joy, when I’m present during it
A refreshing shower brings me joy, when I’m present during it
Reading a good book or article brings me joy, when I’m present during it
Spending time with family and friends bring me joy, when I’m present during it
Seeing others experience joy brings me joy, when I’m present enough to notice it
Life doesn’t have to be as hard and arduous as we make it seem. Carve some time out of your relentless pursuits to find pleasure and joy in the simple things of life.
Take your time, play the game, get better, grow wise, and experience the simple joys of life.
