“The secret of happiness, you see is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates
Can someone have it all? What is all and how could we define that anyway? What one person dreams of having or doing is different from another person.
Do you think that the super rich are happy? That is a good question. Does money buy happiness? Well it would solve a lot of stress that most of us have trying to pay the day to day bills that is for sure.
It must be sad for the super rich. You have so much money you can literally buy everything that you could possible think of and have it right now or very quickly.
Wow! one would get fed up of that pretty fast. Well, I would anyway and maybe I am a unique person to think like that. If you could think of something that you want right now and you pay someone to get it for you. You might get immediate gratification and feel excited. How long would that last? You got it in the blink of an eye. Pushing it aside for the next sparkly thing is already in motion.
Where is the anticipation gone?
Half the fun is thinking about the thing. If it is a coffee machine, do I need it or just want it?
Researching what is the best option or how many variations are there.
- What do I want it to do for me?
- What do I expect from it?
- How much does it cost and how long could it last?
- Are there fancier ones that do other things? Do I even need those or would I ever use them?
- Could they easily break or be damaged? What is the warranty like?
These are all some of the questions that go through our mind. Well those of us living in the real world.
We need to weigh up the pros and cons and decide what is the best option for us and in our price range.
When we have made the decision and either started saving up for it or be able to buy it straightaway we are on a high of excitement.
Receiving the item and knowing it is ours is amazing and we feel that elation.
Enjoying that item in our everyday life is a positive for us. We see how it benefits our life or our enjoyment. That is a huge win. For most of us these items are part of our lives for a very long time. As long as the item lasts that is.
What kind of feeling do the others have? Do they just let the new things pile up or buy a new home to store it all.
Has anyone found the secret of happiness?
Do you know truly happy people in your life? People that are not putting on a show, not exaggerating about things but they are content with their life.
You probably notice that they are living a simple life. They do not have to own the flashy show house or the newest car or device. They are ok with what they have and enjoying the life they are leading.
Having basic things is not a bad thing. What is wrong with something that works. If it is not the newest model does it matter? If it works and does what you need it to that is a win.
Socrates may have a point when it comes to enjoying less in life is better. Living in the moment and making the most of the people in your life is enriching. Making happy memories with everyday life.
Thinking about children. When you ask a child what was the best thing about summer. You may be thinking they are going to mention the expensive holiday they were taken on or a fun park or expensive toys they got. It may surprise you to hear a child say the day we went on a picnic and it rained and we all got wet. Or we went for a walk in the forest and picked some berries. They are the happy children who notice the important things in life are not always those experiences of items that have been bought for a lot of money. The memories of small things enjoyed with the important people in their lives wins out every time.
What is the secret of happiness
Maybe it is time to think about our own happiness and focus on the simple things in life that really do make us happy. Not chasing after the latest thing or trend. Enjoy the things that are in your life now.
If you have a birthday of a family member or friend coming up and not sure what to get them. Maybe you could think about when was the last time you met up and just spent some time together? Is there something you know they enjoy and have not done in a while. Did they mention they like the desserts you made or a simple tea and chat time. Why not indulge them and invest the time with them. You may find yourself also benefiting from the bonus time together.
