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Key points
- Attending to small, but potentially uplifting events contributes to a sense of well-being in life.
- An individual's early recollection serves as a reminder to appreciate at hand joys in living.
- Appreciating simple pleasures in life is a capacity of most people, but easy to miss in a hurried existence.
A few years ago, I was giving a presentation to a large group in Seoul, South Korea, and I met a woman in her late 50s. Kyong shared an early childhood recollection as a projective technique, and I was immediately struck by its significance. It was her first memory of life: "My mother gave me a banana. We were poor and did not have much fruit to eat. I never had a banana before and it was so special. I loved the taste." When expressing this recollection, Kyong's face radiated with feelings of contentment.
The main theme of Kyong's memory is a deep appreciation of the gift she received. She delights in the banana and readily recalled the occasion many years later. In line with her remembrance, Kyong tends to find everyday objects and experiences in life to be emotionally uplifting. Rather than overlook or minimize what might be perceived as lesser matters, Kyong takes notice and savors the event. This pattern contributes to Kyong's appreciative outlook on life and a sense of well-being.
In terms of personality dimensions based on her early recollection, Kyong has a high degree of engagement in the activities of living and an elevated level of social interest or kinship with humanity and other living beings. In terms of optimism- pessimism, Kyong has an optimistic orientation with an expectation of positive outcomes for most events. At the same time, Kyong has encountered difficult circumstances in her life, but feels capable of surmounting challenges with the support of other people and personal strivings. As in her early memory, Kyong is conscientious and can be relied upon to follow through on obligations and responsibilities.
Relating to perceptual modalities, the senses of touch and taste are prominent in Kyong's recollection. She enjoys touching or holding objects that have a natural quality. Kyong also likes to explore new foods and looks forward to meals in the company of family members with feelings of gratitude.
Kyong's early recollection and her approach to experiences suggest a life lesson for all of us. Most individuals are capable of appreciating the simple pleasures in life; however, it is easy to overlook or fail to notice the possibility of these small joys. Smelling a flower, observing a baby's smile, having a conversation with a friend, going for a walk outdoors, helping a person in need, or any number of positive events potentially contribute to a sense of well-being. What brings delight varies for each person, but opportunities to appreciate life's simple pleasures are at hand when open to the possibilities.
