Be Simple, Find Joy

Hello Collective Family,

This week, let’s focus on a new intention: Be simple enough to find the true joy of life.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of “more”—more achievements, more possessions, more distractions. But often, the deepest joys in life don’t come from grand achievements or flashy things. They live in the small, quiet moments we sometimes overlook. Real joy doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s often found in the simplest of things if we’re willing to slow down and look.

Think about those small, seemingly unremarkable things that, when noticed, can bring a true sense of peace and contentment. The feeling of warmth from the sun on a crisp morning. The gentle rustling of leaves as the breeze drifts by. The grounding feeling of your feet on the earth, connected and steady. Or the comfort of a deep breath, taken in a moment of stillness. The peaceful silence of 4am.

These are the gifts of life that don’t ask for anything in return, that don’t need to be earned or bought—they simply are. And it’s our choice whether we notice and appreciate them.

So, how do we practice this simplicity? How do we open ourselves to the true joy of being here, in this moment, just as we are?

1. Be Present
   Let’s start by being fully present. Often, our minds wander to what we need to do next or what happened yesterday, but we can train ourselves to bring our focus back to right now. When you feel the sun on your face, allow yourself to pause and feel its warmth without any need to rush away. When you hear the sound of nature around you, let it fill you with a sense of peace. The beauty of life exists in these tiny details, and it’s here for us whenever we choose to look.

2. Find Gratitude in the Little Things
   Gratitude isn’t just for the big wins. In fact, the daily, ordinary things we often take for granted can be the most fulfilling when we learn to appreciate them. The taste of a favorite food, the smile of a loved one, or the sense of calm that follows a deep breath—these small things are the threads that weave together a truly joyful life. Every time you find yourself feeling frustrated or rushed, take a moment to mentally list a few simple things you’re grateful for. You may be surprised at how it can shift your mindset.

3. Simplify Your Expectations
   Life doesn’t always need to be a quest for improvement or achievement. Though I find it tough to veer away from the thought, sometimes, the real magic lies in allowing ourselves to just be. We don’t need to constantly chase after goals or try to change our lives in big ways to find joy. Often, it’s about letting go of the expectations we place on ourselves to “do more” or “be more” and instead choosing to be content with who we are, right here, right now. It’s okay to be happy with the simple things.

4. Seek Connection in Nature
   If you’re looking to reconnect with simplicity, nature is a great teacher. Nature has a way of existing effortlessly, and it reminds us that life can be beautiful in its natural state. Take a walk outside without an agenda. Listen to the sounds, feel the textures, breathe in the fresh air. Nature asks nothing of us, yet it offers everything we need to feel grounded and at peace.

This week, I encourage each of you to practice finding joy in simplicity. The true joy of life isn’t something you have to reach out and grab; it’s already here, waiting for you in the small, everyday moments. When we learn to appreciate these things, we build a foundation of happiness that isn’t dependent on circumstances or achievements. It becomes a joy that we carry with us, no matter where we go.

So, let’s choose simplicity. Let’s find the joy in being present, in appreciating the small wonders of our lives, and in letting go of the need to always be striving for “more.” Because sometimes, the greatest joy is found in simply being.

Wishing you a week of simple, fulfilling moments.

With peace and gratitude,
Charlie