~ In being able to find joy, give thanks every day, and be satisfied no matter your circumstance, you will be able to find contentment ~ talkswitheve
The secret to contentment is not a secret at all. It is not a secret, but its nature may be the reason why it appears to be a secret. What I mean, is that what it takes to be content is elusive.
Being content requires someone to choose a state of acceptance no matter what. Can you be satisfied with your life as it is right now? Well, despite what you are thinking, with some adjustments, you can find contentment.
What is contentment?
According to Merriam-Webster, contentment means you are satisfied with your possessions, status, or situation. Contentment is challenging, difficult for some because it requires a deep dive into your innermost self to find peace.
Contentment doesn’t just happen at the flip of a switch. Nor will it happen with a change of your attitude. In order to discover the secret to contentment, you will need to know and understand more about yourself.
You will need to know how you can overcome the many challenges that life brings your way. For example, you need to know how you will overcome stress, fear, and worries. Also, you need to know what you will do in facing circumstances of hunger, or plenty, lack or abundance.
Basically, what I am speaking of is, whatever the situation you are facing, you do not get anxious. Instead, you remain strong, courageous, and cheerful. This is not impossible to do. You can learn to find peace and contentment. However, are you prepared to release your thoughts and beliefs about everything to which you are attached?
Releasing your attachments
It is neither a good nor bad thing to be attached to stuff. We are each a unique individual, and so each of us has our personal (unique) reasons. However, in reflecting on your stuff, you can find your own way of releasing your attachments.
When you can be thankful for what you have right at this moment, you will begin releasing your attachments. For example, I have a 20-year old vehicle, yet I do not desire a new car. Who wouldn’t? However, I have released my attachment, and give thanks for it every single day – actually every time I get in the driver’s seat.
As old as my Baby Girl is (my pet name for my vehicle – BG for short), she takes me safely from one destination to the other. Most importantly, I don’t have a car note, and BG is in excellent condition – I take her in for regular checkups much the same way I do for my own personal health.
When my circumstance was dire – I had no regular income – I gave thanks every day for what I had, and the people who supported and encouraged me. Letting go of the anxieties about all the outstanding expenses I had, most importantly, for a place to live, was a long process. Although I barely made any money from freelancing and the unpaid bills piled up, I lived each day in contentment that all my expenses were paid.
In releasing my attachments and being grateful for everything that I had at the moment, all my bills got paid. I was content with my circumstances – I learned to be content with lack and being in need.
The secret to contentment
The real secret is to identify your discontent in life, your lack of peace, as that is the source of your restlessness. The desire for example, for maybe a larger paycheck, more money, a bigger house, or a fancier car, that remain out of your reach, is your source of discontent.
Contentment is attainable because it can be learned. Inevitably you will face obstacles in life. True contentment is being contented no matter the situation.
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