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Embracing the Beauty of a Simpler, Less Exciting Life: My Choice to Forego the Thrills

Live a Simple, Boring Life

By Kade ArtiagaPublished 12 months ago 5 min read
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Embracing the Beauty of a Simpler, Less Exciting Life: My Choice to Forego the Thrills
Photo by Angel Balashev on Unsplash

Hi! I'm Kade, and I am passionate about daily hikes and spending time at the beach.

My daily routine differs significantly from most people's. Being a proud homebody, nothing gives me more pleasure than having a whole day to indulge in a good book, take care of my lovely little patio garden, or pursue one of my hobbies.

Although my days may seem monotonous and repetitive, they are rich in significance and filled with small moments of joy. Above all, this seemingly mundane and unexciting life truly satisfies me.

Admittedly, I feel incredibly fortunate to reside in such a stunning location with the privilege of gazing out at the ocean whenever I please. However, like many of us, including myself, a significant portion of my time is spent indoors in a usual routine: rest, nourishment, or labor.

In my opinion, nothing is amiss about pleasure in the simple aspects of our regular lives. Some of my fondest moments have been spent contemplating everyday beauty.

Without a doubt, I can affirm that I'm not someone who requires a great deal to experience contentment. As an introverted homebody, even something as seemingly small as taking my beloved canines for a walk is as appealing to me as going out to restaurants or socializing with friends on weekends. Furthermore, experimenting with a fresh recipe in the comfort of my own home offers me the same thrill as dining out at a luxurious resort.

I must confess that I derive equal happiness from these activities as I do from those deemed more conventionally stimulating and entertaining by society. For the longest time, I had been reluctant to recognize this, primarily because of the tremendous stress of striving for uniqueness and living our supposed best lives, whatever that may entail.

We are frequently inundated with messages urging us to aspire for grandiose dreams, exude boldness, live expansively, and stand out from the masses. Anything else is perceived as boring or, worse yet, utterly average.

We look to our friends and peers on social media and subject ourselves to the constant noise of advertisements that prompt us to buy and consume various commodities, thereby implying that we can only lead exciting and extraordinary lives through material possessions, moving up in lifestyle ranks, and documenting cool experiences. Such external influences often make us feel we need constant one-upmanship to maintain validation and keep up with the illusion of a fun-filled life.

In our society, the pervasive notion is that happiness must be relentlessly pursued, and we must invest our time and resources to attain it.

While this perspective may be valid, I believe it only captures a part of the story. As an impressionable twenty-something girl, I was undoubtedly swayed by social media posts and advertisements that inundated my daily life. Although I was aware that social media presented only a highly-curated version of people's lives and marketing campaigns were big companies just trying to generate revenue, their impact on me can't be ignored.

I suppose the consistent bombardment of such messages can alter our perceptions and impact our definition of happiness. This is why I purchased those trendy outfits, embarked on those lavish trips, and maintained a jam-packed social schedule. Yet, none of these things contributed to my overall happiness.

In retrospect, I believe my disappointment was that those experiences did not reflect my genuine aspirations. It was almost as if I was living someone else's life, and in the end, it only diverted my focus from taking pleasure in what I already possessed.

Leading an unremarkable, ordinary life doesn't imply that I can't have aspirations or dreams. After all, I still desire to reside in coastal Portugal or Spain someday.

My aspirations include owning a spacious lot where my furry four-legged companions can frolic with abandon and perhaps even residing in an orchard adorned with magnificent mango trees and other fruit trees.

Undoubtedly, I am and shall always be a dreamer. However, my aspirations no longer detract from the significance of the present moment in my real life. Honestly, if I can't derive satisfaction from the mundane aspects of my daily life, then it is unlikely that I will be content even if I achieve my wildest dreams.

It's highly improbable that I'll experience contentment regardless of my location or circumstance, even if lush mango trees surround me in my orchard.

I find immense appeal in leading an uncomplicated and modest life. Furthermore, I've noticed that I am drawn to individuals who share genuine, candid moments of their lives in a world where fabricating falsehoods has become increasingly effortless.

Observing people and life in their most authentic, the unfiltered state is a welcome change. Instead of documenting what someone eats at a Michelin-starred restaurant, I derive more joy from viewing simple, everyday meals, such as breakfast.

Rather than being fascinated by your vacation photos, I'm more intrigued by glimpses into your home and daily life.

I've discovered that I tend to focus more on individuals and their narratives- as it distinguishes them and renders them alluringly interesting.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying an exciting, fast-paced, or eccentric life, but there's also no harm in not coveting that. I believe that embracing an unremarkable, ordinary life holds significant value.

An essential aspect of leading a fulfilling life is cultivating profound and purposeful relationships with the individuals who constitute our community. It is vital to establish a connection with the people who significantly influence our lives.

This kind of life allows us to devote our time and energy to being fully attentive to our families, friends, and significant others. We cherish the small moments and relish the journey instead of constantly striving to fast-forward to the outcome.

Choosing not to conform to societal norms and expectations, this lifestyle inspires us to delve deeper and discover what we genuinely enjoy, regardless of how unremarkable it may seem to others. It emphasizes cherishing the present moment rather than having a story worth telling later.

I'm not suggesting that everything mundane is remarkable, but I am advocating for us to acknowledge the beauty of leading an ordinary life.

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About the Creator

Kade Artiaga

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