Being easily pleased is often misunderstood. But to be easily pleased can be a mark of self-confidence and strength of character. Here’s why it matters more than ever.
Few would disagree that to be happy and content in life features highly in most people’s priorities.
And happiness comes in various forms of packaging – children, career, family, money, friends. We live in a world where we’re all striving for the same thing, regardless of what guise it might come under. To be happy and content is, surely, something to which the majority can relate. So, the other day, when I declared my blissful state, I was rather confused by the response
I received: that perhaps I was just easily pleased.
The quiet joys of everyday life
There are many things that make me happy. I can count at least 20 details in my day so far that have done just that. This morning, I had porridge for breakfast, topped it with raspberries and strawberries from the garden. I smiled at my porridge just as I brought the spoon to my mouth. I thought to myself: ‘These have come from my garden, I watered them and watched them grow.’
This happiness was laced with subsequent contentment. Eating something home-grown is satisfying. The mailman delivered a letter from a friend. When I read it, I smiled from ear to ear. At lunch, I had a cheese-and-salad sandwich with a side of plain chips – it’s one of my favourite things. I was happy and content – my lunch couldn’t be any more perfect. I am easily pleased.
Being easily pleased widens the spectrum of value, optimises happiness, and recognises that contentment comes in many shapes and forms
The hidden benefits of being easily pleased
- You’re more likely to be happy.
- Days are peppered with small and joyful things.
- It’s freeing not to have to strive for constant perfection.
- You’re less likely to be impressed by items or events that promise to bring happiness.
- There’s a strength of character in being easygoing and seeing the simple joys in life. You know who you are and don’t feel the need to prove yourself.
- It can save you money. There are nuggets of wisdom and value in things that don’t cost a fortune.
- You’re still discerning and have high values, but choose where and when to apply them, while appreciating the subtleties in life that are rewarding and insightful.
