This may be a Gretchen Rubin-ism, but I think it’s important to be easy to please. I am, in most things.
But not always. When I think of all the times I have not been easy to please, I first get a flashback of hanging out with friends in early middle school. There was one afternoon where we stuck in the cycle of “what do you want to do?” that was so intense I ended up in frustrated tears in the bathroom. I was annoyed at my friends for wasting time. Looking back it was a beautiful spring afternoon, we were hanging out by the swing set, and we were all together. I always wanted something magnificent to happen that I often gotten in the way of letting things just happen.
Or the time I didn’t like the pesto my then husband cooked and I didn’t make an effort to hide it. Looking back he made us a meal and we ate together in our own apartment. I always wanted everything to be perfect right away that I forgot to let it be good when it was good.
When I say easy to please, I don’t mean for the big things and I don’t mean settling. I think we should demand the best for ourselves in love, respect, and human dignity. I think we should rally and work and get better and better.
I mean, when you can, find happiness in small moments. Like a work friend asking to hang out and become a real friend. Or grabbing an unplanned lunch with a coworker. Or having ten minutes to take a walk in the afternoon. Or seeing a Diet Coke in the company fridge every morning because the interns know that’s my coffee. Or hearing a Harry Potter reference on a podcast. Or getting to play volleyball on a Wednesday night.
I mean, when you can, be the optimist. The one who’s up for anything. The one who is the cheerleader. The one who brings the light. It’s a responsibility that starts within ourselves.
I mean, when you can, complain less. Misery loves company, but burns bridges more than it builds bonds. Sometimes I watch myself carry a storm of negativity and venting and I am too late. I need to be alone to calm the waters. I need to remember to count my blessings, not my curses.
I mean, if you have to, say “Diet Pepsi is fine” and move on with your life.
With Love,
Natalie