29 Aug Rediscovering joy in life’s simple moments
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chase for the extraordinary. We’re often so focused on seeking out the next big adventure or the most Instagram-worthy experience that we forget to appreciate the simple, everyday moments that make up the bulk of our lives.
We live in a time where the extraordinary is celebrated and the ordinary is overlooked. Our social media feeds are flooded with pictures of epic vacations, daring exploits, and seemingly perfect lives. Meanwhile, the simple pleasures of daily life—like a peaceful morning, a warm hug, or the sound of rain tapping on the window—tend to fade into the background.
Why is it that we often overlook these everyday moments? And why do we sometimes feel dissatisfied with our lives unless they’re filled with excitement and spectacle?
The Allure of Something New
We’re wired to seek out new and exciting experiences—it’s part of being human. This desire for novelty isn’t just a modern phenomenon; it’s been driving us forward for centuries. From ancient explorers setting sail for unknown lands to today’s thrill-seekers looking for the next adrenaline rush, our craving for the new and exciting has always been a powerful motivator.
On a psychological level, new experiences make us feel good. They trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical in our brains that’s associated with pleasure and reward. This can create a cycle where we’re constantly chasing the next big thing in search of that rush of happiness.
But as we’re bombarded with more and more new experiences—thanks in large part to the constant flow of information and the rapid pace of technological change—what once seemed exciting can start to feel routine. This can lead us to constantly seek out even more extraordinary experiences, which only makes us feel less satisfied with the ordinary moments that fill most of our days.
The Pressure of Society and Social Media
The pressure to lead an extraordinary life doesn’t just come from within—it’s also influenced by society and social media. From a young age, we’re taught to aspire to greatness, to achieve big things, and to stand out from the crowd. This societal pressure often pushes us to focus on the exceptional and overlook the ordinary.
It seems like a life like our parents had with marriage, kids, a house is something so mundane, so boring that we must do everything in our powers to escape from this.
Social media amplifies this pressure. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow us to curate our lives, presenting only the most exciting and glamorous moments to the world. But while strolling through these highlight reels can be fun, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, as we compare our real lives—messy, boring, and ordinary—with the seemingly perfect lives of others.
This culture of comparison can make us feel like we’re missing out on something, driving us to seek out extraordinary experiences that will make our lives look as exciting as those we see online. But in doing so, we often overlook the simple joys that are right in front of us.
The Hedonic Treadmill: Why Extraordinary Experiences Aren’t Always Enough
There’s a psychological concept known as the “hedonic treadmill,” which suggests that no matter how much we achieve or experience, we tend to return to a baseline level of happiness. This means that while extraordinary experiences can provide a temporary boost in happiness, they don’t lead to lasting fulfillment.
As we achieve our goals or experience something new, our expectations and desires often adjust, leading us to seek out even more extraordinary experiences in an attempt to maintain that same level of happiness. This creates a cycle where we’re constantly chasing something new but never quite reaching lasting satisfaction.
Understanding this cycle can help us recognize that true happiness doesn’t always come from the extraordinary. Instead, it might be found in the simple, consistent joys that make up our daily lives.
Rediscovering the Joy in Simple Things
In our pursuit of the extraordinary, we often overlook the small, everyday moments that bring us joy. But these simple pleasures—the warmth of the sun on our skin, the taste of a good meal, or the comfort of a familiar routine—are what truly enrich our lives.
To rediscover the joy in these moments, we need to be present and mindful. This means paying attention to the small details of our day, appreciating the beauty in the mundane, and finding contentment in the present moment.
To be able to feel joy you need to be there, in the present, tasting that moment. If our minds can’t rest and are always thinking on what to do next, what to buy next, where to go next, that little special moment will forever be gone without us enjoying it.
Finding Balance Between the Extraordinary and the Ordinary
So, how can we balance our desire for extraordinary experiences with the need to appreciate the simple joys of life? It starts with setting realistic expectations. Not every day needs to be an adventure. In fact, it’s the ordinary days that make the extraordinary ones stand out.
By embracing the ordinary and recognizing its value, we can find a more sustainable form of happiness—one that’s not reliant on constantly seeking out new and exciting experiences. This doesn’t mean giving up on adventure or lofty goals. Instead, it’s about finding joy in both the big and small moments of life.
In the end, a fulfilling life is about more than just the pursuit of the extraordinary. It’s about finding joy in the everyday, appreciating the simple moments, and striking a balance between the grand and the ordinary. By doing so, we can create a life that’s not only fulfilling but also rich in meaning and contentment.
I know how it all sounds. I know people might think, OH, you just want us to stop dreaming big, to stop looking for new things and so on. You are telling us the opposite of what all guru’s and life coaches tell us. That we can have everything. That all we need to do is more and more and look deeper and we will be rewarded with the absolute pleasure or experiences.
No.
I just want you to think of one thing.
As you are out there, unhappy, alone, searching for the next best thing, the next huge adventure, there are people out there who discovered that happiness is not that far away. They discovered they don’t need to sail the seven seas or climb the highest mountains to be happy.
They discovered what is important to them, what truly makes them joyful and happy.
If you want to keep experiencing, that is fine. But if you are used, tired and confused, maybe it is time to change things a bit.