Chapter 1: The Essence of Joy

I cherish this nostalgic photo of my youngest daughter happily devouring a watermelon, despite her missing front teeth. If she stumbles upon this blog, I might be in trouble! Yet, to me, this image encapsulates happiness in its purest form—joy derived from simplicity. Children often have much to teach us about finding joy if we just take a moment to observe them.

As adults, we frequently accumulate possessions and complicate our lives in the pursuit of happiness. Writing that sentence makes me realize how absurd this notion can be. The wise choice is often to downsize.

We tend to believe that accumulating more will bring us joy, but consider this: who is truly happier? A carefree child relishing a slice of watermelon or an adult stuck in traffic, rushing home from a job they believe will lead to wealth and happiness? I lived that life for years until fatherhood opened my eyes to a different perspective.

Reflecting on our happiest memories, they often revolve around simple moments spent with friends, family, or engaging in our favorite activities. This brings me to a crucial insight.

Our ability to experience joy and happiness is closely tied to simplicity; the more we simplify our lives, the happier we tend to become. I recognize this truth, yet I often struggle to embrace it. I enjoy comfort and my possessions, but how much are they hindering my happiness?

I wish we had learned in school that true happiness stems from inner joy, which thrives in the present. In a moment of simplicity, joy can flourish. To clarify: simple moments generate the greatest joy.

Why is this the case? Joy thrives in spontaneity, connection, emotional fulfillment, and laughter—not in the pursuit of more possessions, power, or wealth.

Another clear reason simplicity fosters happiness is that the more we own and the more complex our lives become, the more stress we encounter. We find ourselves with less time to enjoy life and increasingly bound to the relentless cycle of materialism and progress.

Let me pose two straightforward questions: What does progress truly mean? And how many of our possessions can we take with us when we pass away?

The answer to the second question is straightforward—none. So why the obsession with acquiring more? I don't quite grasp it, yet I find myself falling into the same trap. While there is a fleeting joy in obtaining something new, that happiness is often short-lived.

The answer to the first question is more nuanced. Progress has brought us to this point, surrounded by material possessions and a need for lucrative careers to maintain our lifestyle. Progress, however, is a double-edged sword, often devoid of genuine joy. One side represents comfort and innovation, primarily focused on material gain, while the other aims to enhance our lives through meaningful advancements like better healthcare and education. Unfortunately, neither guarantees happiness. So, what is the purpose of this progress if it ensnares so many and rarely results in joy?

The treadmill of progress can lead to improved lives or, conversely, collective dissatisfaction. Time will tell if progress can redeem itself from its own confines—a curious notion, yet one that society has widely accepted, as we find ourselves stuck in traffic.

Nevertheless, we are all on this journey of progress, interconnected and reliant on one another. You might try to escape progress, but you’ll soon find you need basic comforts—a shower, a new pair of shoes, and, of course, Wi-Fi.

So, how does progress contribute to happiness? Does it allow for that dream vacation in Florida? While that sounds appealing, at what cost? A slice of watermelon is a far more economical source of joy.

This brings me to the final reason simplicity leads to happiness: affordability. While we might envision a fantastic vacation that brings immense joy, many of us cannot sustain such temporary delights. By embracing happiness found in simple pleasures and daily joys, we can achieve genuine happiness every day (or nearly every day) without breaking the bank. All you need is a smile, perhaps a few missing teeth, and a slice of watermelon.

A Final Thought: There exists a balance between simplicity and happiness, and each of us must find our own equilibrium. I'm still in search of mine.

Chapter 2: Embracing Simplicity in Daily Life

In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the simple joys that bring us happiness.

The first video titled "SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE | 10 Simple Truths That Make Life Easier" delves into key insights on how to streamline your life for greater happiness.

The second video titled "SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE Challenge » Day 1 - Reflect" invites viewers to reflect on the importance of simplicity in everyday life.

Thank you for reading! If you'd like to stay updated with my posts, please click the button below.

For more about me and my latest novels, visit my website at davidstockar.com.

Check out my latest mystery novel with a spiritual twist—Eden Crossing (4.8 out of 5 on Amazon). Download it for only $2.99 for a limited time!

© David Stockar 2022 — All rights reserved.