Meaning in the Mundane
In today's society, we are often led to believe that success is only achievable by constantly striving for more. We are bombarded with images of people living seemingly perfect lives on social media, and it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we should be doing more, working harder, and buying more to feel happy. However, true happiness comes from within and doesn't have to be complicated. It's the simple things in life that often bring us the most joy. Whether it's enjoying a cup of coffee, walking outside, or laughing with a friend, these little moments can make a big impact on our overall happiness. If you're struggling to appreciate the little things in life, therapy can help you shift your perspective and learn to enjoy the present. With techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and somatic therapy, you can learn to find joy in the mundane and live your best life. Don't wait any longer to start appreciating the little things – reach out to Rebound Total Health today for support and guidance in achieving true happiness.
From a young age, our culture and society emphasize finding a purpose, setting goals, and always striving for more. With social media and the view of others' lives at our fingertips now (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok), it’s easy always to feel like we should be doing more—working harder, being more organized, buying more clothes, having more style, traveling more.
It’s easy to get caught up in this perspective, never feeling like we have enough or are enough to live in the present. The greatest thing that aging/getting older has given me is the perspective that happiness is within our control and not that DEEP. It’s so easy to think, “I’ll be happy when…” or be so distracted seeing others do amazing things on social media (travel across the world, stay at beautiful hotels, buy the best of the best, move to a bigger house) that we falsely think sometimes that we need to also strive for more or live that same life, have those same goals.
I’m not saying that traveling and having new experiences can’t be amazing- but we typically spend the most time in mundane, day-to-day activities like working, cleaning, making dinner, and picking up kids. I’ve learned over the last few years that there is so much meaning in the mundane; the simplest day-to-day activities often make us the happiest. It truly is the little things in life! Here are a few things that make me the happiest, regardless of what stage of my career I’ve been at, how much money I have, whether I live in a big house or a small house, and whether I have lots or a little. It’s never too late to take a step back and remember that no one is here forever; appreciating the simple things in the simplest, most cost-efficient way can make us the happiest!
A cup of coffee
A walk outside
Conversation with a friend
Watching the sunrise
Laughing out loud at a favourite memory
Finding a close parking spot
Complimenting a stranger
The first sip of an ice-cold diet Coke
When there is no lineup at the checkout counter
A deep night of sleep and waking up naturally
What comes to mind when you think of the little things and simple pleasures in your own life? If you feel like you are having difficulty appreciating the little things or shifting your perspective, this can be an opportunity to explore therapy! Therapy is not only for encountering big problems or intense experiences but also for learning to enjoy the little things so you can live your best life! Some ways you and your therapist may work on shifting your perspective may be:
Mindfulness
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Somatic therapy
Goal setting
Even if you are going through a tough time, there is nothing wrong with finding simple pleasure each day! If you are curious about how to improve your outlook, see the little things in life, or support as a couple, family, or in your relationships doing this- reach out to Rebound Total Health today! It’s never too late!
