As far back as I can remember, my father came home for lunch. I’m sure it wasn’t every day, but in my mind it was.
He worked at a bank and did quite well, slowly but surely climbing the ladder in the industry. And yet, as best I remember, most days he came home for lunch, sitting on a stool at our counter.
Most days, he ate a sandwich with a few slices of deli meat, plain potato chips, and French Onion dip. Or, on occasion, he’d eat a hot dog on a slice of bread.
Again, these are just my memories. My dad, recently retired, might tell a different story of his lunch menu variety, but this is the endearing image I have of my father as he came home for lunch each day.
He grew up on a family farm in South Dakota where most lunches were no different than the ones he continues to eat even today. His family upbringing clearly shaped his expectations for lunch.
I, my father’s son after all, have strayed very little from the model he set for me. My lunch, almost every day, are the leftovers from yesterday’s dinner. If there are no leftovers, I will sometimes have a bowl of soup or a tuna fish sandwich.
My tastes, overall, are quite simple. I own a 2005 Honda Accord, I wear a black V-neck t-shirt purchased at the local outlet mall, my tennis racket is 20 years old, I order black coffee at coffee shops, and my hair products (a topic of much conversation on YouTube) are bought off the shelf at Target.
I appreciate a fancy dinner when I have one… a luxurious hotel should I find myself there… or fine art when I view it. But for everyday living, I am content with simple tastes.
Simple tastes, in my opinion, get a bad rap.
Some may think I am unrefined for eating leftovers every day for lunch or missing out on the joy of living by not booking expensive accommodations when I travel, but I disagree entirely.
There are many benefits that accompany having simple tastes. Let me list a few of them for you.
Underappreciated joys of simple tastes:
1. Enjoyment is easy to find.
When your tastes are simple, it is easy to find things you enjoy. I can be just as happy eating leftovers for lunch as I would be sitting down at a fancy restaurant. One is just more achievable on a regular basis.
2. Easier to entertain.
I’m easy to entertain. If you wanted to treat me for dinner, you should feel no pressure in what you prepare. Truly, serve me homemade tacos and I’d be just as happy as if you served me prime rib. Or pick any restaurant for dinner, I’ll be happy.
Again, don’t mishear me on this. I LOVE prime rib, but my tastes are simple. Ground beef tacos make me just as happy.
3. Living within your means.
As I’ve written previously, there are benefits to living within your means that go even beyond the subject matter of this article— freedom, peace, and opportunity (for example). When your tastes are simple, life costs less and living within your means is easier than you might have thought.
4. Less lifestyle inflation.
Lifestyle inflation refers to an increase in spending when an individual’s income goes up. It is why many are never able to get ahead financially—personal expenses simply rise with personal income. When your tastes are simple, there is less opportunity for lifestyle inflation to take over.
5. More gratitude.
We are faced with two choices every day: 1) We can be grateful for the things we have; or 2) We can focus on all the things we wish we had.
When you are able to find joy and contentment in the simplest of things, gratitude is an easier choice to make.
6. Less influenced by trends, labels, and advertising.
Too often, people pay a premium just for the privilege of becoming a walking billboard. Personally, I am not impressed by fancy or expensive brands just for the sake of being able to show off the logo.
Same with advertising and changing trends. As Nate Berkus says, “Trends exist to make people feel badly about what they don’t have.” When your tastes are simple, you are less likely to be influenced by them.
7. More opportunity to splurge when necessary.
There is another benefit of having simple tastes that I should mention. If you are not spending routinely on expensive things, there is more money available to spend when the splurge is truly desired.
While my wife and I have always lived on a modest income, every five years we take a trip to celebrate a milestone anniversary (10, 15, 20…). Because our tastes are not extravagant on a day-to-day basis, that is something we have always been able to afford.
8. Easier to make decisions. Less time wasted.
There is a direct correlation, in very practical ways, between simple tastes and time. For example, it is easier to make decisions when traveling, shopping, or even planning tomorrow’s lunch at the office.
Again, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying it is wrong to enjoy nice things at times. But when you are satisfied with simple things on a daily basis, time (and money) is saved.
9. More opportunity for impact.
I’m going to make a bold statement here, take it or leave it.
Maybe it’s because of my upbringing, but when I think of the people I most want to emulate in my life, rarely do I think of the flashy types. I suppose, in the moment, there is something seductive about the person with the expensive car, outfit, or drink.
But in the long run, it is those who have learned to become content with the simple things in life that inspire the most. It seems to me their simpler tastes have provided more opportunity for impact in other ways.
There are, of course, some people who pursue minimalism because of their fancy tastes. Owning fewer items allows them to have higher quality, more expensive things. I understand that fully.
But for me, I have a certain level of joy and contentment in keeping my tastes simple, I think you will too.
Werner Van der Straten says
Simple is profound!
Letters on a page…
The wide open sky…
Breathing…
Being content…
Minimalism…
Thank you for your insights.
Gail says
I agree. I learned a lot from Mom.
Maria L Pinto says
This brings back good memories for me too, and some frugal habits that stayed with me. With 6 kids I remember simple lunches like bologna or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, chips & an apple in my metal lunch box, and a thermos of milk. Sometimes we got cookies depending on what mom baked. Most everything was homemade and lots of comfort food. Her forte was her apple pies, they were simply to die for!
I simply love leftovers & now even for myself if I make a vegan soup or chili, I make enough for 2 or 3 nights. That way I don’t have to cook every night.
I was just out to dump my trash in the apartments where I live, & someone left 2 bags of apples. I took a few so now I’m going to make some applesauce. I am grateful for someone sharing and all of the squirrels I passed along the way.
Erin says
Just wanted to share some words by a man that shared your sentiments, and whose words I have tried to live by:
Learn to like what doesn’t cost much.
Learn to like reading, conversation, music.
Learn to like pain food, plain service, plain cooking.
Learn to like fields, trees, brooks, hiking, rowing, climbing hills.
Learn to like people, even though some of them may be different…different from you.
Learn to like to work and enjoy the satisfaction of doing your job as well as it can be done.
Learn to like the songs of birds, the companionship of dogs.
Learn to like gardening, puttering around the house, and fixing things.
Learn to like the sunrise and sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, and the gentle fall of snow on a winter day.
Learn to keep your wants simple and refuse to be controlled by the likes and dislikes of others.
by Lowell L. Bennion
Julie says
That was great Erin. Thanks for sharing.
Judy says
I love this. I just told someone yesterday that I am very content with simple things. I find pleasure just walking through my yard. So much to see!
WTK says
Hi,
Simple is great. I adopt minimalism and it is the route to simple happiness as per my perspective.
WTK
Carmen Crum says
This article articulates our life!! Simple things-like drinking water most days suddenly we enjoyed a drink we used to have all the time on our anniversary and it was special and simple-orange juice with 7up. Always enjoy your thoughtful articles and simple reads-bless you all the way from Beautiful British Columbia, Canada!
Sladana says
This article came at such a great time for me. We are looking to build a house and am constantly having to remind myself that I’m happiest when I go simple. There is a drive to get fancy tapware, the best flooring etc but those things don’t feel good to me. I’ll never forget the defining moment that I believe has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars. My husband and I have been looking at display homes and I would notice a tense feeling in my body when I go to houses with all the bells and whistles. Then one day I walked into a display home that was smaller and simple in fittings and I knew what the right choice was. To choose the simple route it’s what makes me feel most at peace. And thankfully my husband feels the same.
Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista says
In agreement that this was a fabulous post. One of my favorites I have read by you. Thank you for the simple yet meaningful advice. How much we could all gain with a little simplifying. I am encouraged and inspired!
Lynda C. Adair says
Well Said! Living simple (within our means) was taught to me from my childhood. I came from a modest family of 5, living on Dad’s one income, while Mom stayed home to care for the three children. After we were older, she went back to work to provide for the soon-coming college tuitions. I never heard any complaints or regrets from my parents about taking day trips, or “Fun Days” as we called them, while relatives and neighbors took weeklong trips year-round. We always had fun just being together, and still do!
Susan says
Your comment brought a smile to my face. I think a lot of people try to fool themselves into thinking they are content with simple things, but it sounds like your family truly felt content with what you had, which is plenty.
Justin V says
Not only was this article great, but so were so many of the comments! Good reading for the day
Donna says
I loved this article!! When I was growing up, I had a spender father and a stretch it, saver mother. I grew up with taking my lunch, homemade clothes, a clean orderly home, home cooked stretch meals and a lot of church! I love growing my own vegetables, canning and freezing, crocheting and knitting and am currently learning to sew. Life is complicated as I am raising two of my grandchildren (now 16 and almost 13) plus my 92 year old Mother lives with us. I retired after working 40 years as a medical technologist but I love simple living ! We have worked hard and been careful with money. Our home and cars are paid for and we have savings and investments. I am eternally greatful for the blessings in our lives despite losing our youngest son to suicide and our daughter in law too a freak accident 3 years later. Life is full of curve balls but there are so many little things that make me happy. Thanks I saw two young deer this morning playing! Even though they had just nibbled on my garden, it made me laugh at their joy?