Life Lesson/Lifestyle
Contentment Is Key To Happiness
Contentment is a great gain, says the Apostle, for we brought nothing into the world.
Most people confuse contentment with being complacent, and not having any goal or ambition in life. That is far from the truth. Contentment is just being satisfied and looking at what you are blessed with, rather than what you don’t have.
This is particularly true in this age of capitalism, and greed, an age where everyone always wants more and is never satisfied nor appreciative.
When you look at it, it is easy to want to flow with the ‘Joneses’. We all do it, we compare ourselves with others ahead of us, rarely looking back at those behind us, and feeling incredibly blessed.
Dwell On The Positives Only
It is natural to come across challenges along the journey of life. This does not mean, we throw caution away by not analysing and seeking a solution. This is a false concept of contentment.
During times of crisis, we look for solutions, for answers, for the light at the end of the tunnel.
For challenges come to develop us, and it will be silly not to learn the lesson.
Of course, we carry out the required self-examination and self-assessment. We carry out the needed change, (action is important) and we ensure the lesson stays with us. It is when we do this that things work out naturally.
However, the challenges might be more than we can bear, at a particular time, and that gets us down. The process of sorting things out in small matters is the same as in big ones as well. The difference is that in big ones, it can destabilise us to the extent that we might start to feel dejected, stressed or unhappy.
This is where the real test of contentment comes in. Whatever we face in life, our reaction determines whether we are happy with it or not. When we allow it to get us down, then it is how we decide to react to it.
Happiness Is Not In Things, It Is In Us
What I am saying here is that our reaction to issues determines whether we are happy or not. It is not the problem itself.
A television personality, Caroline Flack took her own life over a very small issue of domestic violence with her partner. She falsely believed he was cheating on her, so she attacked him with a piece of furniture.
Her partner called the police, as he was bleeding from the face. The police pressed charges. They both made up, and her partner asked the police to drop the charges, but the police refused.
She took her own life before the charges were brought up in court. This is an example of how she allowed her reaction to the police charges to get over her.
The unfortunate thing is that we can be so badly affected by the issues that can translate to unhappiness, not only with us but also with the people around us. How? Of course, it will show when we are unhappy or depressed or suicidal. Our loved ones will be concerned about us, and definitely will not be happy.
We can rather look at the positive sides of our lives, and count our blessings, despite the challenges facing us.
And everyone has something to be grateful for.
Steps To Having A Contented Life
I always say that living a good life of happiness and contentment needs work as well. There is nothing good in life that does not require work. And working on our happiness is equally important as working on our career and profession.
Having contentment in your relationships — We must remember that we only have power over ourselves, not anybody else. So if you are having problems in your relationship, acceptance of the person might provide a sort of balance, rather than trying to change the person.
Most of the time, our relationship problems stem from misconception about the other person.
Live Simply — Often, our extravagance is the root of our problem, both financial and otherwise. Don’t try to impress anyone, by living above your means.
Practice Gratitude — Gratitude opens the door to more blessings. Count your blessings. Be appreciative of life, and what it offers. Smile often and be ready to help others. People appreciate help and support from others, so that appreciation will bless them.
You can live a life of contentment, but it will depend on you.
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