The search for happiness and meaning in life is not a new pursuit. But there are moments where you tend to ponder the big picture more than usual.
I recently departed a full time job and moved into my own apartment, where I suddenly found myself with a lot of time for reflection.
And I’ve realised the things that make me the happiest are all pretty simple.
Forget about love, expensive holidays and a dream career! I’ve come up with a list of seven of life’s simple pleasures I believe are the key to happiness. Here they are in no particular order…
1. Ice in a glass.
My grandfather, who owned a pub, always said that ice is the cheapest thing you can put in a glass. And short of “absolutely nothing”, he’s right. Having recently purchased my first refrigerator, I’ve made sure there’s a ridiculously large stockpile of ice cubes in the freezer.
Don’t you love that sound of the ice cracking as a fizzy beverage cascades into a glass? It’s a hypnotic ritual and it always puts a smile on my face.
2. A hot shower.
Even after the worst day, ten minutes under a steady stream of hot water can wash away the most awful stresses of the outside world. It’s our fortress of moistened solitude. I imagine Superman has a similar setup at the North Pole. No doubt insulated in some way from the ice.
3. Carpet.
Having lived in houses with floorboards for the last few years, it’s so nice to be able to walk barefoot around the house in soft fuzzy comfort again. Plus you can stretch out on the floor without bruising yourself. And it slows down the formation of dust bunnies.
4. A seven-second hug.
Hugs are great. But close contact with another human (or animal) for seven seconds or longer releases endorphins that make us feel fantastic. Get as much hug action as you can. Just make sure it’s consensual, because grabbing a stranger at a train station for seven seconds counts as assault.
5. Sunshine.
It’s warm. It’s free. And it’s always there. Just don’t stand it in unprotected for too long or stare directly at it. The same can be said for urine.
6. Bricks.
That’s right. Bricks. You see less bricks now than in days past. But nothing beats a solid double brick wall for sound-proofing and insulation. Plus you can nail a picture hanger anywhere you like without using a stud-finder.
And there’s nothing like a bare brick wall on the INSIDE of a house to remind you no wolf is huffing and puffing his way in here. Especially those really dark bricks that are almost black. Oh yeah… that’s the stuff…
And finally:
7. Good health
It seems it’s only when you’re sick that you appreciate just how great it is not to be. Sometimes we can’t control this one. So enjoy it while you can.
Kind regards,
David M. Green
Budget pleasure-seeker.
