"Mababa Ang Kaligayahan" / "Low-Level Happiness"

"Mababa ang kaligayahan" is a Tagalog (Filipino) phrase that literally translates to "low-level happiness."


Usually, Filipinos use it to describe a person that is easily pleased or has simple taste.  It's almost derogatory, because it's implying that the person is inferior. Someone who finds joy in the simplest things.  Low standards!


But I beg to differ.


I would like to counter that a person who is more easily pleased than others is not inferior.  Actually, that person is probably better off, because he/she is happier.


I say we need to be more like that.


If we want to be happier people, we need to find joy in the simplest things.


Observe very young children...  The simplest things like a tiny ladybug crawling on their leg can be the biggest delight.  An inchworm wiggling along can be a source of giggles.  A cuddle with mom equates happiness.


Why shouldn't we be like that?


Some people might argue that they don't want low standards. 


Well, we don't necessarily have to lower our standards.  We just need to raise our level of appreciation.


Let's say for example we are looking at a rose.  We can shrug and say, "Meh, I've seen hundreds of roses. No big deal."  Or we can look at it closely and try to find what makes it unique or simply appreciate it for what it is.  Don't you think we'd all be happier if we chose the latter reaction?


Same thing goes for the everyday things.  The person that holds the door for us.  The baby that shows her toothless grin.  The dog sticking his nose out the car window.  Our spouse who cooks dinner.  Our child's drawing of the family with a big heart above it.


We can choose to shrug off the simple things or we can appreciate them. 


Life is short; let's be joyful about all the little things...