The Art of Being Easily Pleased

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

- Arlene Francis

If you wake up joyful, simply because you are healthy and in no pain, or if a perfectly cooked grilled cheese sandwich can send you into culinary bliss, you may be someone that is easily pleased. 

The idea of being easily pleased—finding joy in simplicity and contentment in everyday life—has been advocated by philosophers, writers, and thinkers across cultures and time periods.

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, presents a timeless guide to finding peace and contentment through simplicity and self-discipline. 

"Very little is needed to make a happy life, he says, as ''it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

In a world that often glorifies complexity and constant striving, there’s a gentle power in being easily pleased. 

This simple mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life, allowing us to reconnect with the beauty of now and the wonders of nature that surround us.

When we embrace the art of being easily pleased, we open ourselves up to a world of easily accessible simple pleasures. 

The feel of a sharp knife slicing raw potatoes, watching gently falling snow, or having a warm drink on a cold morning—these moments can bring profound happiness if one is sensitive to their power. 

In a society that often pushes us to chase after bigger and more, it’s refreshing to find contentment in smaller and enough. 

Being easily pleased fosters resilience. When we learn to appreciate what we have, we become less attached to material possessions and societal expectations. 

This mindset allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, finding silver linings even in difficult times.

Last night I made a rice pudding and put in a teaspoon of chilli powder instead of cinnamon. When I realized what I did, I put the cinnamon in and stirred the hot mess all up. 

It needed to be rebranded - we had to change our thinking - as a Mexican rice pudding.

We ate it, and it was great. Hot, yes, but we like it hot.

For the easily pleased, gratitude becomes the guiding principle, reminding us that happiness is not found in the latest gadget or trend, or how much wealth we horde, but in the magical richness of everyday moments.

Moreover, being easily pleased causes one to radiate positivity that is a joy to be around. 

The appreciation for life’s simple pleasures can inspire others to slow down and savor the moment. In a fast-paced world, the fast acting relief of reducing the pace of the madness can foster deeper connections with nature, yourself, and others. 

In a culture that equates success with constant ambition and material accumulation, practicing the art of being easily pleased is counterintuitive - an act of rebellion. 

It challenges the status quo and invites us to question what truly brings us happiness. By stepping away from the relentless pursuit of more, we can reclaim our time and energy, focusing instead on what genuinely matters to us.

So, let us celebrate the beauty of being easily pleased. In a world that unceasingly demands more from us, let’s find joy in the simple, the small, and the everyday. 

By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others to appreciate the spectacular wonders that nature and simplicity have to offer. 

After all, true happiness lies not in the grandiose, but in the tiny moments that make up our lives and reveal the magic of being alive in this amazing Universe.