Joy in the Simple Things

My beloved five year-old daughter celebrated her fifth birthday last week and it was quite heart-tugging to realize that my little girl is growing up. One of the things that I found particularly encouraging was that while she was excited about her birthday, she wasn’t at all focused on gifts and presents, and when she received gifts of clothing from her grandparents, she was genuinely ecstatic and effusively grateful, rushing to calling my in-laws and repeatedly hugging my parents in thanksgiving.

My wife and I agreed that throwing a birthday party for our daughter would essentially be our present to our daughter, so when I brought home a pink (her favorite color) cupcake from Crumbs Bakery in New York City and a doll-sized prop beach chair that my company uses to promote sales incentives trips, my daughter practically hyperventilated with happiness. That was well worth the $4 I spent.

At five years old, my daughter has far surpassed the age where kids like to play with the wrapping paper more than the gift. She’s gone to plenty of other parties and has had plenty of play dates with classmates who are wealthier and have far more things than we do. So it was encouraging to see her be thrilled with a low key birthday. A cynic could argue that she’s anticipating her party in a week or so and the loot that she’ll get from that. I don’t think so – I just think she was happy that her family remembered her birthday and she got simple gifts from people that loved her.

The deeper reflection for me was how so many of us struggle with contentment and joy in the simple things. It’s way too easy to sweat the things that we think are important that really aren’t. I’ll pick on myself - why do I struggle with contentment in a job which pays me well with a boss who is kind and respectful? Am I overemphasizing the need for greater career growth, influence and certain experiences? Why can’t I find even more joy in the more mundane events and encounters of my life, whether it be putting the kids to bed or family talks during dinner? Can’t I view each day of life as something to be savored, as opposed to falling into the trap of feeling that weekday dreariness and drudgery is the price to pay before getting to the weekend? Simple holidays, an evening spent cuddled up with a good book, a family game night and inexpensive day trips and outings… maybe there’s room for more of these.

It’s a good reminder that while novel, exquisite and exciting has its place in our lives, there are some simple things which often give us the most joy.