JUNE 24, 2022
What is contentment to you? The dictionary says this about contentment; “A state of happiness and satisfaction.” “The various attributes of contentment are as follows:
- Satisfaction; delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, happiness, and pleasure.
- Lack of envy; a feeling of unhappiness, being unsatisfied, being unfulfilled, and resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities or luck.
- Humility; a modest or low view of one’s own importance. The freedom from pride or arrogance.
- Discipline; the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.
- Abhorrence of greed and corruption; dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.
If you let it get to you in our politically charged world, being content can become very difficult. All of the attributes above come into play at least once in a while. Don’t let politics get into your head or it will make you very bitter about everything which may include those you love and cherish the most. Some may say, “That is not me.” But all of us fall prey to the bad side of contentment. We end up comparing ourselves to others or certain parties and personalities; we end up becoming selfish in our opinions by being closed minded about what is important to the world; we fear and become worried over the smallest things; we choose to not speak because of our differing opinions; we dramatize and create chaos in the lives of others with our words and actions; and we become angry and ashamed of ourselves and others. This doesn’t make for a very healthy mind, body, spirit or relationship.
During this critical time, we should be calling on a higher power; (Like turning it over to God) finding courage to forgive and forget; loving more rather than hating others; and gentleness rather than striking out. Wars of words become wars of the heart that will damage our precious relationships. Any changes we seek often have to do with changing our hearts. Here is a little heart check-up you might try if this is you:
- Do you find yourself more at peace or more irritated today? What are you doing about it? Try laughing more AT yourself. We are all weird and unique in some way.
- Do you find yourself cultivating more contentment or more distance between those you disagree with?
- Do you find yourself more irritable and frustrated; or more joyful and at peace? (You can’t be both at the same time) Choose wisely.
I recently heard a great sermon about the value of contentment. The pastor was pointing out the six C’s that are trying to rob you of your contentment. (Your happiness and satisfaction) They are as follows:
- Circumstances: We all face challenges and may not be able to change our circumstances. We all may experience contentment, but after a while it slips away. (Try holding on longer)
- Conflict: We don’t talk with those people because the conflict has sucked the life and contentment out of them. Don’t fall into a trap of constant conflict. It will eat at your soul. Seek harmony with love and kindness.
- Control: You can’t have contentment and control at the same time. Trust rather than try and control everything. Pray about it as prayer and expressions of love can be powerful weapons in a conflict.
- Complacency: This will rob you of your contentment. Content means self-rule and self-sufficiency. (with a little help from above) Learn a way within yourself, to find happiness and contentment. (Make it your new word of the month)
- Complaining: We should be rejoicing in our lives instead of complaining all the time. Try listing five things you are thankful for. (Gratitude) Now put them in your heart and carry them around everywhere you go.
- Comparison: We always compare ourselves to people who have more than us. Never with those who have less. Don’t compare. Seek understanding rather than judgment.
Learn to find your own happiness and contentment. It will be healthy and FUN , rather than being sad, miserable, worrying, agitated, and disappointed. Look for serenity, eudemonia, (go look that one up) and fulfillment and then rejoice and celebrate. It just might be the lift you needed to get you going again.
Elevator Guy
Quotes for the Day;
“True contentment is not having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have.” Oscar Wilde
“To be content doesn’t mean you don’t desire more, it means you’re thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come.” Tony Gaskin