Hello, dear reader! Glee greetings to ya.
I hope you’re doing joyfully well. Welcome to Day 2 of November Joy. Today, I want to discuss a profound quote by the renowned Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius:
“Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life.”
Marcus Aurelius
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more—more wealth, more possessions, more achievements. But Marcus Aurelius reminds us that true happiness can be found in simplicity and contentment with what we have. I agree with Marcus!
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this statement in your life.
How often do you chase after things you believe will make you happier, only to find that the happiness is fleeting and replaced by new desires?
The truth is, genuine happiness is not necessarily tied to the accumulation of material possessions or external accomplishments. Rather, it is in the little little things we tend to underrate and pass off as insignificant.
You may be asking now, “So, Jaachị if happiness isn’t found in possessions and material things, in what then is it found?”
Let me outline what it means to lead a life that embodies Marcus’ quote. It means embracing the following principles:
1. Simplicity in Gratitude
A grateful heart never wallows in depression. If you will, from this day onwards, daily recognise and appreciate the simple pleasures and blessings in your life, like the warmth of the sun on your face, loving relationships, or the beauty of nature, you will lead a happier and more enthusiastic life.
2. Simplicity in Mindfulness
Worrying about the future will only cripple today’s wheel of progress. Also, dwelling on past mistakes, hurts, losses, and rejections keeps you bound in a cesspool of stagnation and moodiness. Practise being present in the moment, savouring life’s experiences as they come, and not dwelling on past regrets or future worries. Just live in the now.
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3. Minimalism is Simplicity
You don’t need those excesses. Learn to simplify your life by decluttering both your physical space and your mental space. Free yourself from the burden of unnecessary excess possessions. Free your mind from unprofitable distractions, disturbing thoughts, discouraging offline conversations, and disheartening online trends.
4. Simplicity in Human Connection
Your friends define you. In fact, they shape your thoughts and reality. When you surround yourself with pessimists and people who always have a way of seeing the worst in every situation, you are bound to be constantly melancholic. Want to be happier? Choose to foster meaningful connections with the right people, as human relationships are a source of great joy and fulfilment.
5. Simplicity in Inner Peace
Cultivate inner peace through self-reflection, meditation, or other meaningful practises that help you find contentment within yourself as a Christian who has all that pertains to life and godliness in Christ on your inside. Joy resides in you in abundance. Tap it out with prayers, meditation, and sincere worship.
By embracing these principles, you can discover that happiness is not elusive, nor is it solely dependent on external circumstances. Instead, it can be cultivated within you through a conscious choice to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and find contentment in the present moment.
I encourage you to reflect on Marcus Aurelius’ timeless wisdom and consider how you can apply it to your own life this month. By doing so, you can embark on a journey to create a happier, more fulfilling life that is rooted in simplicity and gratitude.
Thank you for being a part of this joyous journey with me. If you have any thoughts or insights to share, please don’t hesitate to reply to this musing. Your feedback and contributions are always appreciated.
I wish you a day filled with simple joys and contentment.
With ❤️,
Jaachị “is joyful” Anyatọnwụ
