To Be Content

Why is it that we find contentment to be so elusive? Why can't we simply be happy? 

I believe that much of this feeling of discontentment comes from the media. The world of advertisement keeps us all in a constant state of want. Consider the copy in these ads:

"The joy of winning."
"Things go better with C..."
"Smart way to go places."

Without even knowing what is being sold, you can come to the conclusion that if you purchase whatever is being sold, you win; things will be better; and, you will achieve your goals.  No wonder being content is so difficult!  Now, add to the copy photos of smiling couples, sexy bodies and images of wealth and privilege. What you end up with is a formula for keeping the public wanting more, constantly.

Let's face it, the job of advertisers is to sell. How do they get people to buy product? By seducing the public into thinking they need whatever it is that is for sale. The truth is, we don't "need" most of what is out there.

Human needs are fairly simple - good food, clean air and water, protective clothing and shelter. Everything after this is gravy!  We don't need huge homes, fast food, bottled designer water, branded clothes, new, huge cars, or all the tech toys you can name.

The truth be told, humans have gotten by with much, much less than we have today and were happy. 

Am I advocating that in order to be content, we must go backwards in time? NO! What I am saying is, if we stop and think about it, we will realize that we don't need a good deal of the things that take our time away from relationships with others. Connections to life, bring contentment.

The challenge is to look at what you have now - in this moment - and decide if it serves you well or is it simply excess that clutters up your life. If it is excess, if you have not used whatever it is in years, months or weeks, then find someone else who can use it. I try to do this each spring and fall. Sometimes, I am more successful than at other times, but I try. I will say, there is a great sense of freedom from purging "stuff." What I have learned is, I never feel like I miss any of it. Stuff is not important. 

Contentment is the discovery that what you need and what you want are two different things. Being satisfied with what you have and not wanting more, is the first step in finding contentment. Put down the magazines, turn off the TV, step away from the computer. Look around you and give thanks for all you have, then find someone with whom to share your bounty.

Blessings!