Why Having A Simple Life Can Be A Happy Life

Having a simple life allows us to understand that our time here is limited, but we can find happiness through simple means. A simple life will be different for everyone and is entirely dependent on individual circumstances. However, the common thread is that those who live simply, are content with what they have. But why do the simple things in life make us happy?

We appreciate the small things that make us happy

One of the best things about living a simple life is that it allows us to appreciate the small things more. This might be something as simple as enjoying your morning coffee with the sun shining on your face or taking time to spend with friends and family.

We become more grateful

The more we focus on the small things that make us happy, the more we become grateful for what we have. When we live our lives being grateful for what we have, rather than constantly desiring more, it allows us to find happiness easily. Things such as the good times with friends and family, the joy of nature, a sunrise, or a home cooked breakfast.

To live a simple life does not mean to live without luxuries, it means to be grateful for what we have every day. Gratitude is one of the most important keys to happiness and success in life.

We stop consuming what we don’t need

When we begin to find happiness in the simple things life offers us, we stop with our societal need to over-consume. Slowly, we begin to understand that a lot of what we think we want and need, is actually based around the needs and wants of others! It becomes clear to us that we have normalised following trends of things we don’t actually desire. We have just been conditioned to want them. Adverts follow us everywhere in our daily life. In newspapers, on social media, in the middle of a podcast, even on the back of bathroom stalls. It is no wonder our minds convince us we want what we do not need.

Once we recognise our societal need to over-consume, we can begin to explore what we truly want.

We can see happiness, joy, and feel gratitude where others cannot

This one is important. It’s the one you’ll feel smug about when you master it. The people around you may even comment that you’re “too positive”! Finding happiness in situations where others can’t is a huge blessing. It can take a while to master, but it’s probably the quickest way to a happy and simple life.

If you’re stuck in a queue of traffic your first reaction might be to feel frustrated. But try reframing it. If you’re stuck in traffic because of an accident a few miles up the road, this is an opportunity to remind yourself to be grateful. You are safe in the comfort of your car and being a few minutes late home is not the end of the world. This is all whilst somebody else (the person in the accident) is probably having the worst day of their life.

If you stop at the grocery store on the way home and they’ve completely sold out of the ingredients you needed, it’s fine! Look at it as a way to try a new recipe you’ve been meaning to cook for a while. It’s a chance to impress your partner or family with your culinary skills.

Are you ready to live a happy, simple life?

Living a simple life does not need to be about giving up technology and living of the fat of the land. Rather, it’s approaching life with a new-found appreciation for everything we have and viewing the beauty in everyday things. It’s not a new concept, but one that I feel we could all benefit from in the hustle of a 21st century society.

Disclaimer — The article was originally posted on my blog www.getlemonsqueezy.com