More or less

We live and we learn. Often the simplest experiences teach us the most profound lessons. Ours began with a humble beanbag. As we took our early steps into adulthood, my husband and I embarked on building our first home together. Not just any home, but a house that we constructed from the ground up, creating a haven filled with living spaces and terraces that seemed to sprout organically as the construction progressed. However, this came at a significant cost, leaving us with little to spare for furnishing our dream home.

Among the various rooms that took shape, one became our cherished Den – a space adorned with bookshelves, window seats, basking in natural light, and centered around a television. It was a room infused with coziness, where we shared the company of our favorite shows. A leather-like beanbag and a hand-me-down rug became our companions in this space, adding a touch of comfort and style.

With limited resources, our home's furnishing journey was gradual. As time whisked by, and a little one entered our lives, nearly four years had passed.

Despite the Den's bare appearance, we continued to revel in the comfort of our beanbag seating, the neck massages, and the evening television ritual.

Eventually, a decision was made one weekend – it was time to acquire another beanbag. Our toddler often sought solace with us during late-night shows, prompting this choice.

And a larger, plusher beanbag joined the Den. Yet, as we nestled into our individual beanbags, drinks in hand, something felt amiss. The anticipated happiness from this addition was absent. Together, we shared unspoken thoughts; the increase in comfort hadn't translated into a boost in happiness.

So, we sat watching our fav show and sipping our drinks with the same thoughts in our minds...not verbalized..... though the comfort quotient had gone up, the happiness quotient had not.

Amid this contemplation, our toddler appeared at the doorway, announcing his plan to snuggle in the new beanbag that night. Swift rearrangements were made, and with glee, he settled into the large plush beanbag. The same feeling of contentment returned to us as we resumed our familiar spots!

More doesn't necessarily equate to more happiness. Whilst abundance can enhance comfort, it doesn't always elevate happiness.

In the years that followed, the new beanbag served its purpose and eventually faded away, while the original one remained steadfast, patched, and mended, transitioning as our Den transformed into a study.

Have you too found happiness in embracing less?