Welcome to Wednesday Word, a monthly linkup for everyone, not just health and fitness bloggers. On the first Wednesday of every month you will have a single word prompt to write about. Let your imagination run free and share with your readers your interpretation of that word, or simply use it as inspiration for your post. Today’s word is content… I’d love to have you link up, and if you do, please remember to follow my six simple rules.
Content
Pleased and satisfied
~ Merriam-Webster
Maturity certainly has played a role in making me a more content person. Today I find that being content has less to do with things and more to do with experiences and how I view my world. I’m not sure exactly when it happened – perhaps it was around the time I became more comfortable in my skin, but each of the following things have allowed me to get to the point of living a life of contentment, and I hope they’ll resonate with you, too…
- Do what you love – On several recent occasions I’ve heard myself say to my clients or to someone about my job, “This is why I do what I do.” From working with clients looking to live a healthier lifestyle, to those trying to lose weight, to those living with chronic health issues, helping my clients is truly a labor of love, leaving me quite content.
- Be appreciative – Don’t assume that people know how you feel about something they’ve done for you. Show them with kind words that show your gratitude and pleasure. The simple act of expressing those feelings will in turn, give you a feeling of contentment.
- Surround yourself with things you like – Some of the things that I do treasure would have absolutely no meaning to anyone else. From the tiny pie plate that my grandfather and I used to make sample cookies when I was little, to my silly Sissy plant (a gift from a friend), these items of little material value never fail to bring a smile to my face whenever I see them.
- Be grateful for all you have – Realize that you are blessed with a warm home to protect you from the elements, nutritional food to eat, that you’re healthy, and that you have loved ones in your life. Counting your blessings will keep you from wanting more, making for a happy, content life.
- Find time to pamper yourself – An often overlooked component for me, I do have a sense of satisfaction with a fresh manicure; and know for my friends, how happy a relaxing facial or massage makes them feel.
- Don’t compare yourself to others – Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” certainly holds true when trying to live a content life. Honoring yourself and your own unique qualities will leave you satisfied.
- Give of yourself – Share your talents with others. Volunteer at your church or the local homeless shelter. Find something you’re passionate about and share your knowledge through coaching or tutoring.
- Take care of your health – Exercise, eat well, meditate; in other words, do things that will make you feel better because it’s hard to be content when you don’t feel your best. Finding time to be quiet and reflect over your blessings pulls it all together. Allow your mind to wander before falling asleep – reflect, consciously relax your muscles, pray – do what allows you to be at ease and content.
Are you content? How do you find contentment?
Grab My Button!
Next Month’s Wednesday Word: Brash
It’s only in recent years that I have found what I believe is true contentment with my running. I no longer feel the need to impress anyone with my “speed” (ha! as if!) or mileage.
That’s such a smart way to approach running – makes for a happier runner, right?
Sometimes I think I’m too content! I do what I love and am grateful for what I have so that must be good.
Sounds good to me!
While I”m mostly content with life as it is, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I go through periods of discontent. Getting older, facing a future with RA, the wackjob in the White House, and trying to launch my 2 boys make me worry and fearful. Contentment is definitely a work in progress for me.
I agree, contentment is always a work in progress because you never know what life will throw your way.
In general I’m a pretty content person, but I do have my moments.
I think contentment takes work. Positive thoughts, gratitude, deep breathing instead of defensiveness — they’re all tools, but sometimes, like most people, I don’t remember to utilize them.
I think the biggest piece of the puzzle when it comes to contentment is living in the now. Tolle was too dry for me, quite frankly, but his overall message is so true — yesterday is done and tomorrow’s not a given, so it’s important to live in the present. So says the woman who does have a bad habit of carrying a grudge. 🙁
“Yesterday is done and tomorrow’s not a given, so it’s important to live in the present.” That’s such a good message.
Thanks, Deb! It can be hard to follow sometimes, though, for sure.
Amen to your first point. I am a professional making a decent living that affords me to go and do when I want — and while I appreciate that — I certainly can’t say “I love what I do”. I’m trying to instill this in my last two kids as they pick careers and colleges. Do something you love. Thanks for the linkup. Sorry I’ve been absent for so long!
While you may not love what you do professionally, you certainly love what you do in your spare time with your water skiing, running, biking, and spending time with your family and friends! 🙂
Yes, I’m very content over here. I spent years in discontent, doing a job I loathed. But that’s all changed. My cup runneth over.
That’s wonderful!
Words to live by, thanks!
Thank you for stopping by my blog!
As you say, for me it’s doing what I love with the people I love.
That’s when we’re happiest! 😀
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