Over the weekend I re-read Enough by John Naish. I think what I like best about it is its title. It basically sums up his whole thesis, in an imperative tone which I think is intentional.
One of the arguments Naish makes in his book is that Western societies in particular must regain a sense of 'enoughness'. That we will have more satisfaction with our lives when we stop trying to grasp everything we can, including a sense of happiness.
I sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that I would be more happy if....
If the kids were just a little bit more independent
If we didn't have to rent a house
If my mum lived closer to us
If I had a little (ok, a lot) more time to write
If I had a little (maybe a lot) more money to buy new-season clothing and shoes
If we could go away on a proper holiday
The thing is that I know the list of ifs could go on and on. It's a point Naish also makes in his book.
By making our happiness conditional we will forever rob ourselves of the joy we can have right now in each moment.
Another thing about thinking this way, which Naish did not address in his book, is that it is so self-centred.
I can go around all day thinking about the things that are wrong in my life and why happiness and security is so elusive, and no one gains from me doing that - ironically, not even me.
I can fret about not having a nice photo to go with this blog post for example, and scramble to find and upload one, or I can go and join in with the game my children are playing in their bedroom.
This post is ok without a photo. I'm happy enough with it.
How about you? Do you find it hard to be content with good enough, or happy enough? Do you think it's a worthwhile way of thinking? Are there exceptions?
