It's not uncommon to believe that we need expensive things and experiences to feel fulfilled. Our culture tends to focus on fame and large achievements, rather than pursuing personal passions and goals. Although expensive holidays, big celebrations, and exotic travels can bring us joy, they aren't the predictors of happiness that marketers make them out to be. In reality, the comfort and pleasure we seek often lie in the opposite direction. Let's explore why small pleasures matter for a fulfilling and authentic life.

It's a well-documented scientific fact that happiness rarely correlates with more money, and small pleasures in life are more effective at making us feel happier and more grounded than extravagant purchases and experiences. Experts in happiness studies emphasise the value of small pleasures over big, expensive purchases. Sugar, spice, and everything nice are what make life enjoyable.

Quality time

Quality time and pleasurable experiences don't have to involve other people. Indulging in shopping in expensive boutiques is a poor alternative to practicing meaningful self-love, and the shopping high is quite transient. It can induce feelings of guilt and anxiety, whereas small pleasures calm you and wash away your stress. Pursuing small pleasures is about setting ourselves free from external dictates and reconnecting with our inner compass and focusing on self-love. Read more about starting your Journey to self-love. 

Small pleasures are the little joys that add up to create a life well-lived. They help us be energised and productive and give us perspective in the most challenging times. Examples of small joys are everywhere, and they're easily accessible and sustainable long-term. Truly, there is no end to small pleasures you can discover and experience for yourself.

The small things

The juiciness of the first fig of the summer. The warmth and smell of the early morning coffee. The beauty of sun rays breaking through the tree branches. The marvellous blue colour of the sea. The smell of roses in the nearby park. A cosy evening with friends in nature. Watching the sunset and catching the golden hour magic. Writing or receiving an honest thank you card. Spending meaningful quality time with your loved ones. Engaging in self-care rituals. Cooking a meal from scratch with love. Dancing. Jogging in light rain. Walking barefoot on freshly cut grass. Listening to birdsong in the dusk. The refreshing feeling after an evening dip. The lightness of a linen shirt on your skin. The sweet smell of cut peaches. The tender hug. Truly, there is no end to small pleasures you can discover and experience for yourself.

They’re not only easily accessible but also quite sustainable long-term, as you can mix them up to prevent hedonic adaptation from setting in. It seems that ordinary, available, and already familiar experiences have the strongest capacity to bring pleasure to our lives. Small things are available and well-known to everyone, they are easy to share, and we already have an emotional connection because they are usually familiar. There’s nothing ordinary and small about life’s small pleasures. Small pleasures allow us to feel comfortable in our skin and help us feel grounded and happy in our daily lives. They are within reach for everyone, regardless of social status or wealth. We can create an authentic and colourful tapestry of experiences once we learn to recognise and appreciate them. Furthermore, simple pleasures are essential for making progress in our goals, as they help us destress and feel more positive in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the pursuit of small pleasures may seem counterintuitive in a culture that values expensive and exotic experiences. However, research has shown that it is the simple joys of life that truly sustain us and provide a foundation for a fulfilling and authentic life.

These small pleasures may seem insignificant, but they add up to create a life well-lived. Whether it's the taste of a delicious meal or the warmth of the sun on your skin, these small moments can bring us great joy and help us feel more grounded and connected to ourselves and those around us.

So, the next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to indulge in a small pleasure. It may be as simple as taking a walk in nature, light a candle or enjoying a cup of tea, but it can make a world of difference in your mood and outlook on life.

Remember, true happiness isn't found in the things we buy or the places we go, but in the simple pleasures that surround us every day. So, take a moment to slow down, savour the small moments, and enjoy the richness of life.