Mnmlism: My Idea of Being Happy

The following is an entry that I wish I had the sense to write before. These are not my words, they are those of Leo Babauta, who is: a writer, blogger, runner, and what I would call a good "habit consultant". I thought that he has what I would call a very enviable lifestyle; I'm coming to realize that I'm close to having the same deal happening for me. His words in the brief passage I provided are a good enough philosophy to help me be mindful, and to get through those days that seem super-challenging and fraught with uncertainty. It describes my idea of happiness perfectly, and it seemed right to share this with those who are still yet mystified and wondering why I generally prefer living with the degree of simplicity in my personal environment that I currently do. His words are as follows:

mnmlist: as happy as possible

I believe I’m as happy as it is possible to be.
I’m not crying out in ecstatic pleasure, or streaming tears of joy, but I am very happy. It’s not a peak of happiness, but a plateau of happiness that can go on for as long as I live.
This is a happiness I wish on everyone alive. The question then is, what are the factors that contribute to my happiness?
Here’s what I don’t have:

1. A huge house
2. Massive wealth
3. Fancy clothes
4. A nice car
5. A powerful job
6. Cable TV

And I don’t believe having any of those would contribute to greater happiness than I already have. Here’s what I do have that contribute to my happiness:

1. Time
2. Loving relationships
3. Meaningful work
4. Health
5. Books
6. Enough

The first six are seen as the goals of society by many people. The second six make me very happy, and I believe I have them because I decided to forgo the first six. I recommend this path.