The Joy of Less

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” -Socrates

I remember when I was in yet another well-worn battle in my head with how I was going to lose weight this time.  The advice was usually something along the lines of delete X from your diet, and X and X and X too. I was willing to delete anything (!) but it always felt like a war against myself that I couldn’t win. I thought I needed to learn to live with deprivation but it was exhausting me. One day, a thought slipped into my mind that seemed like it didn’t belong: “I think I’m supposed to be enjoying food more.” How strange, I thought. All of the diet advice says to tone down the pleasure you get from food. But I let the thought stay there… 

And then, many days later, the insight came. 

Less. 

I am indeed supposed to be enjoying food more. I’m supposed to experience the simple pleasure of a beautiful, healthy meal when I’m really hungry….a simple cup of tea on a chilly afternoon…an ice cold apple.  I didn’t have to learn to live with deprivation after all. I didn’t have to walk on my knees repenting as Mary Oliver says…I needed to see what was already available to me….to love what I already have. 

How would the pleasure in your life increase with less?....less food, less wine, fewer activities on your calendar, fewer opinions, fewer options, smaller bills.

We are surrounded by messages that tell us more is better. We know that’s not true. Live deliberately. Design your life in a way that reflects your own wisdom. And lean into the bounty of less.