I Like Simple Things: A Hug, A Thank You, A “take Care Of Yourself “

I like the simple things: a hug, a thank you, a “take care of yourself”.

I consider myself a faithful admirer of simple people because for me, they are the most beautiful, those who let themselves be carried by common sense, by their intuition and by this heart which knows no artifice.

It is curious and inspiring to know that today, whether in personal development approaches or in large organizations, it is very fashionable to bring the value of simple things back to life.

In fact, many marketing and advertising experts have a slogan that almost always works: “ keep it simple and something will happen”.

I love the smell of simple people who exude respect, a “hello” with a big smile, a “take care of yourself” with immense sincerity…

There is no falsehood in their beautiful looks and even less in their soul.

Antonio Machado said that “The characteristic of men of small mind is to attack anything that just does not fit in their mind”.

This is undoubtedly a good example to describe this type of personalities for which the simple things do not make sense. They confuse the simple with the simplistic.

Simplicity has nothing to do with ingenuity and even less with idiocy.

In reality, this concept encloses a great power of which we are only rarely aware.

The power of simple things, the power of emotions and intelligence

Let us remember for a moment one of the most famous commercials on television. We are in 2001 and the house of BMW breaks the pre-established models with a shocking sentence: “The pleasure of driving” .

Here, the physical characteristics of the product as well as its technology have been put aside to speak only of the feeling of driving.

One hand was enough. A hand that came out the window, that flew and that called to the emotions and feelings that we have all already experienced, especially during childhood.

No need to see the vehicle, the imprint was already created in a masterly way.

This is where the power of the simple is found. Yet this advertisement was an act of courage on the part of the SCPF agency and its creative directors.

They, like anyone who wishes to appeal to the simple, elementary things and the power of emotions, are often criticized for the same thing:

• Whoever practices the value of simple things is a “simplist,” someone who doesn’t strive to show something deeper, sophisticated, and elaborate.

• If you are simple everyone will be like you, you will not be able to stand out. In the case of this ad, a lot of people thought it was so simple that anyone could have done the same.

In fact, when looking for simplicity, you have to put aside the best thinkers in the world.

Because, as Winston Churchill said: “ from intense complexities flow the most beautiful simplicities”.

The beauty of simplicity in everyday actions

It is often said that life is like a spider’s web.

Our lines intertwine at bizarre angles, we take the wrong paths, our efforts don’t match what we’re getting and in the end, we end up in terribly complex and overwhelming situations.

Why is it so difficult to revel in the simplicity of everyday acts? Why are we making our lives so complicated?

In a way, it has something to do with what we were talking about above. The simple soul and the humble gaze are dimensions that do not suit a society where the complex is associated with the efficient, and therefore with happiness.

We are sold computers with a lot of software, phones with endless applications.

The stores offer us thousands of types of hair treatments, and every day we are reminded that it is essential to have studied, to have diplomas and to have many friends …

The complexity is linked to this idea of ​​golden happiness which, in reality, only happens very rarely.

What we must take into account is that great things happen when we do small things well and for that, nothing like practicing the art of simplicity in our daily acts. 

Going calmly, being aware of what is around us and using common sense and intuition are arguably the best strategies to untie every knot of our vital complexities.

We need to trust our instincts a little more and be receptive to the voice of the heart.

Sometimes we let much of our “life quota” slip away in unsuccessful efforts that take us away from what we really want.

So remember that complexity should not be admired but should be avoided.

The art of knowing what are the things to leave out is the only way that will allow us to find what we truly deserve.

Namely: love, freedom, integrity and personal fulfillment.