Finding Joy in the Spin

Time often appears to us as a relentless arrow, forever marching forward. Our lives however, unfolds in cycles or seasons, which facilitates viewing life as a cycle.

Like a river, its waters ever-flowing through different landscapes such as vibrant meadows(youth), rocky gorges(adulthood), or peaceful valleys(maturity) before reaching the vast ocean.

What's certain is that the journey is constant, with some moments of serenity and turmoil, growth and transformation.

Such is more or less the cycle of life. We move through seasons of birth, youth, maturity, and decline, like water in a river, ever-changing yet eternally part of the flow.

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Defining "Happy Life" and "Simple Life"

For some like my younger brother, a happy life is synonymous with pleasure, achievement, and fulfillment of desires. This may involve having a vibrant social life, a fulfilling career, and the good comfort of material possessions.

Reminds me of 'the pursuit of happiness'. Happiness is like living the modern stereotype of the 'good life' and having a fun time with it.

Others like myself, find happiness in inner peace, deep connections, and meaningful contributions to the world. It's not really about having a fun time but a great time that isn't strictly limited to the domain of materialism.

For those who don't identify with either, it could be a bit of both, putting one leg on each camp. Ultimately, it's essentially a subjective impression that arises for the most part from personal values and experiences.

"Simple life" often evokes images of minimalism, living with less, and focusing on basic needs. Since the goal is to cut out excesses, there's much decluttering not just physical space, but also mental and emotional baggage.

Basically, it can be about cherishing small joys or the little things, finding contentment in nature, and prioritizing experiences over possessions.

However, simplicity shouldn't be confused with deprivation, as it tends to happen nowadays. This is when being frugal turns into being stingy and you see people counting pennies even at birthday parties.

Sometimes, declining invitations for fear of contributing and turning down life-enriching experiences because they 'cost too much.'

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Finding Joy In The Spin

Some might argue that happiness, whatever it may mean to us individually, is fleeting. Dependent on external factors and prone to fading with time.

With simplicity, critics might see it as lacking ambition or excitement. With all the delicacies and glittering treasures that life has to offer, why live a simple life, what's the point?

When we spin the argument a bit towards the other side, we can argue that happiness is fleeting because we fixate on the destination, neglecting the beauty of the journey itself.

In the frantic pursuit of some imagined "happy ending," we miss the countless moments of joy tucked away in the journey or process.

Perhaps, finding joy in the spin of life can happen through letting both viewpoints coexist and intertwine. Simple living can create space for savoring life's simple joys, which can potentially enhance and sustain happiness.

Conversely, prioritizing internal happiness can guide our choices towards a simpler, more intentional life.


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