Finding Contentment
Have you noticed? The holiday shopping season is here! Will you run ragged while you try to find that special gift for everyone on your list? Wouldn’t it be great if we all were content with what we have already? In this week’s Mid-Week Encouragement, we’ll try to define what it means to be content in life. Come along! I think you’re ready to enjoy this Advent season without all the stress of meeting everyone’s needs.
The dictionary definition of contentment is “the state of being satisfied with what one has.” But what does that really mean? Does that mean having everything we want? And if so, how do we know when we’ve reached that point?
What makes one person happy may not make another person happy. What satisfies you may not satisfy me. If happiness and satisfaction are subjective, then contentment must also be subjective.
Contentment is a feeling that comes with being satisfied with what we have and who we are in life. Let’s face it . . . we humans are restless. We need change. We like new things. What makes you content might change from day to day, week to week, or year to year.
The good news is you don’t have to wait until you’ve achieved everything on your bucket list before you can be content. What do you like doing most? Are you happy with where you are today? Remember, contentment isn’t something you should work for. It’s a mindset that helps you appreciate what you already have instead of focusing on what you don’t.
> Bring your goals in line with your values. Our values define who we are and give us purpose. They define what matters to us most. If we keep our values in mind when we’re making decisions, we’ll find more contentment in the end.
> Find joy in being where you are right now. If you’re feeling stuck in one place, unable to move ahead, you’ll be unhappy no matter what happens. Being satisfied with where you are and with who you are right now will help you find contentment and joy right now.
> Get out and serve others. When you do something for someone else, you’ll get a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you’ve made a difference. And when you do something for someone else without getting recognition for it, you’ll find joy in serving. Contentment will be quick to follow.
> Let go of your past! If you constantly focus on the pain of your past, you’ll never be able to enjoy the present. Let it go! You can’t change the past so let it go! It’s gone and doesn’t matter anymore. It’s time to focus on the good things of your life now.
> Learn to be grateful! When we stop believing that we’re entitled to the best of life, we can start to be content with what’s around us now. Let’s be thankful for all the good things God has given us today. Gratitude will naturally bring contentment.
> Never compare yourself to others. You’ll never be able to enjoy your now if you’re always comparing yourself to others. Learn from others’ mistakes and identify where you can do better.
Remember, contentment is a state of mind. You can choose to be content! And when you do, joy will quickly follow!
