20 Feb Contentment – life is good
What is contentment?
Contentment is a feeling that has a relaxed sparkle of inner joy. You appreciate what you have and know that life is good. You know you have what you need, are happy and grateful that you have got whatever it is you have got. The bonus here is that according to the Law of Attraction that whatever you express thanks for you attract more of that. How wonderful is that!
Wanting for more
Being content with where you are at right now does not mean that you lack a bigger vision of what is possible and have a few goals to achieve what you’re striving for, it just means that you are happy with what you have right now. There is a sense of well-being around you. When you are content, you love whatever you have in your life right now, and it is often the non-material things that bring the most joy.
Comparing with others
Whenever anyone starts comparing their life with others, they often think that the grass is greener on the other side. People do this throughout their life. Another famous saying is that you never know what happens behind closed doors, so while things may appear to be incredible, they may not be as great as you think they are. I once heard someone say that if everyone explained their problems to everyone else and you could choose whatever troubles were shared, you would pick your own. I’m guessing this is because life prepares you for the problems that you are going to face. Food for thought.
Teaching kids about contentment benefits them as they start life, understanding that they grow in many ways. It is vital to strengthen their characteristics throughout their life. Teach them not to compare themselves with what others do or do not have. If they have something special that others admire, like a toy, share it. As they grow, they would develop a viewpoint to look within as that is where their power lies, comparing their bodies, test results or anything else does not serve them.
Attitude – pick a good one
‘Attitude is everything, so pick a good one’ – that is what one of my coffee mugs has printed on it. So being appreciative and grateful for both the small and big things in life, the material things and the non-material things such as friendships, family, experiences, helpful strangers, the car getting you from A to B, the sun shining, the rain coming down. There is so much to be grateful for – it is pivotal to learn this from a young age. Ask someone – a child, a friend – every day – what are you thankful for? It does bring contentment which reduces anxiety. Sooner or later, they will ask themselves that same helpful question.
The balance of contentment
The balance to contentment is not comparing what you have right now with others and thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. Do not compare yourself with others. This does not mean that you can’t look to others for inspiration and learn what they have to offer. You need people to admire so you can follow in their footsteps. Especially when you have similar interests, goals or values. Be mindful of, when you are looking at someone else’s life, how you are filtering that information into your head. Whatever your filter and whether your thoughts are about others or yourself – always be kind, be kind, be kind.
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