Have you ever found yourself chasing a dream only to feel underwhelmed when you finally achieved it? Maybe it was the promotion you thought would bring fulfilment, the dream home that became just another house, or the perfect holiday that didn’t quite live up to its promise. You’re not alone. The truth is, our expectations often set us up for disappointment. We tell ourselves that once we hit that milestone, happiness will follow—but life is rarely so simple.

Christine, a former political journalist and consultant from France, discovered this firsthand. Her career was filled with high-stakes pressures, political intrigues, and the relentless pace of 24/7 news cycles. Eventually, she and her family decided to leave it all behind, seeking a life of simplicity in Faro, Portugal. Upon arriving, Christine found herself rushing through daily tasks, much like she did in France. But a simple comment from a local shop assistant, "Calm, calm Madame, it’s Portugal, we have time here," made her realise she had been living life in constant haste. This moment became a profound lesson in slowing down and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

Liberating

Similarly, Ingrid from Oslo embodies a radical yet liberating life philosophy inspired by Bill Perkins' book Die With Zero. Instead of saving for retirement and deferring her dreams, Ingrid made a bold choice to spend all her money while she’s alive, maximising her experiences and happiness in the present moment. She sold her expensive house and all her assets in Norway and relocated near Porto to set up an eco-farm. For Ingrid, simplicity isn’t just about having less, it’s about living more—balancing the stability of a home rooted in sustainability with the freedom to explore new experiences. Her focus is on investing in experiences rather than accumulating possessions, a philosophy that echoes the essence of living life to the fullest now, without waiting for some distant "right time."

Ingrid has found great joy in sharing her eco-farm practices with her local community. She regularly hosts workshops and open days, where visitors can learn about sustainable living, organic farming techniques, and the importance of reducing waste. By doing so, Ingrid has not only created a self-sufficient lifestyle but has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Her approach inspires others to adopt more mindful, environmentally conscious ways of living, demonstrating that simplicity and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Both Christine and Ingrid's stories highlight a profound truth: fulfilment doesn’t come from accumulating things but from aligning life with values that prioritise experiences, freedom, and personal growth. Research supports their experiences. A study from the University of Texas found that people derive more happiness from experiences compared to material possessions, regardless of when happiness is measured—before, during, or after consumption. Another international study revealed that 76% of consumers would rather spend their money on experiences than on material items. This shift reflects a growing recognition that experiences provide lasting memories and personal growth, contributing more significantly to long-term happiness than the temporary pleasure of acquiring new possessions.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Joy

Christine now finds immense joy in writing, playing padel, and capturing the beauty of street art, while Ingrid thrives in creating a sustainable lifestyle that allows her to connect with nature and the local community. Their stories serve as reminders that life is not about deferring happiness but embracing it in the present moment.

Portugal’s culture reflects this beautifully. Festivals, long meals, and impromptu gatherings are woven into daily life. It’s a reminder that what matters most isn’t what we own but how we spend our time.

This shift in priorities isn’t just about individual fulfilment; it’s about fostering deeper relationships and strengthening communities. When we focus on experiences, we cultivate connections that go beyond material possessions. Ingrid’s eco-farm, for example, has become a gathering place for like-minded individuals who share her values of sustainability and simplicity. It’s a lifestyle choice that prioritises mindfulness and presence over acquisition and accumulation.

Experiential richness

Furthermore, letting go of material wealth in favour of experiential richness allows for greater personal growth. When we step outside our comfort zones and invest in new experiences, we gain valuable insights about ourselves and the world around us. Ingrid’s decision to embrace a minimalist, experience-focused lifestyle has led to newfound perspectives and a profound sense of purpose.

When we prioritise experiences, we also begin to shift our perspective on success. Instead of measuring achievements by what we accumulate, we start to value the richness of our relationships and the joy of shared moments. This shift doesn’t just benefit us, it also strengthens the communities around us.

Whether it’s decluttering your physical space, reassessing your priorities, or choosing experiences over possessions, the pursuit of simplicity can lead to deeper fulfilment. So, why not take a moment to pause and reflect? What could you let go of today to create more space for what you love tomorrow? The joy of less isn’t about what you lose, it’s about everything you gain.

Author

Kamila is a dedicated advocate for entrepreneurial community development and women’s empowerment. She helps women build remote-first businesses that align with their passions and support a lifestyle of freedom, inspiring them to seize opportunities and create their dream lives.


Community Lead Portugal | Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Bestselling Author | Founder of HerFreedomBusiness.com | Co-Founder of Algarve Women’s Network

Kamila Laura Sitwell