Starting each day by saying 3 things that I'm grateful for...one about someone I love, one about the world, and one about myself...this always start my day with happiness.
A cup of "English" tea - lots of cream and a little Truvia.
Playing in my garden. I used to call it working in my garden until I realized that most of the time I don't really feel like I'm working.
Talking with my children and grandchildren, hearing their stories, listening to the emotions in their voices.
As I write this out, I realize how much contentment I have....so thank you for asking the question.
There are snippets of time I have such great contentment... reading a good book, my art going well, a good night's sleep, time spent with my husband doing nothing or doing something, no matter... and things going right when I step out of my comfort zone... actually the latter brings pure joy. What I'm struggling with is having to do things that don't bring me pure joy or contentment but must be done anyway. It's more difficult to do things that don't bring any sort of delight or satisfaction as I'm aging. I can do them, but there are many moments filled with dread before having to do these unpleasant tasks. This is something I must work on "getting through" so they don't rob me of the precious moments I so eagerly embrace.
I really like what you shared from the Better Up website Janice. Running that "comparison" gambit can get tiring! I have felt a significant "shift" this year though - probably even more noticeable these past few months. Somehow attached to my "Perfectly on Time" mantra while taking steps to embrace some new options (like ballet and tap dancing). As I have some quiet coffee jazz playing in the background my level of contentment is high. As I prepared to go celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving with my daughter and family tomorrow my gratitude is also high. Daily thought provoking readings plus meditation also play a part but I also agree with Donna that it's easy to get caught up in moments (at times) and miss the magic. Thanks for helping raise awareness for all of us.
On the whole issue of contentment, I think we need to realise that nothing in life is linear. It's filled with curves and ups and downs and if we keep examining every turn, every down time, we are going to make ourselves true malcontents.
There are moments we can't ignore, obviously, and that we have to engage with, but happiness (contentment) is fleeting and comes when you least expect it. Maybe we all need to step back a little and give ourselves permission to just 'feel'. And then move on if we can.
It's very simplistic I know, but as I progress through my 70's I try to bat the curve balls back and if I miss, then I try not to dwell too much. If that means I must attend a psychologist to get myself back on track, so be it. But generally, I would describe myself as a person who is content with what life is offering on this particular day at this particular hour. Can't ask for more than that.
I feel content in the simple routines at home, good coffee, books, my cats. I agree that mindfulness and gratitude are so important! So impactful to seek happiness in what we have and resisting the urge to compare our lives to other peoples. Thank you for your words, I’m going to read this post multiple times.
Recognizing what brings contentment and joy is big. It also seems like as we get older we stop searching for fun or joyful things to do because we easily slip into autopilot. For me the ideal would be to notice what I already have, which is writing, reading, meaningful conversation, movement, and contribution. Where I am currently lacking, due to life circumstances, is doing fun things outside and going to a city to do city things.
I think being actively aware of when and why we feel contentment is so true. We certainly notice the bad stuff when it happens and must recognize the wonderful moments, too. Your readers have listed many in the comments. I'm grateful and content with my life, although I have regrets about the past. However, I've chosen not to dwell on that and focus instead on all positives.
Thanks for your thoughts. Many resonate. Contentment comes with small things I do daily, like reading, exercising and yes most of all writing. I just can't seem to wipe the smile from my face after writing something that feels good.
"... accept yourself as you are today ... value all the opportunities and experiences you’ve had." Yes! Stop resisting and just surrender. It makes this phase in my life so much easier to havehave accepted who I am now and all the small joys I still have - solitude and quiet in my little cozy cottage, good neighbors, reasonable health, an old car that never fails, family close by. Blessings, al! . As far as "experiences"? I write about them every day ( and substack them!) so I won't forget. Thank you, Janice
Since dad’s stroke after Thanksgiving in 2022, I’ve been traveling every other week to stay with my mother. It’s hard and it leaves me feeling cranky and depressed. Now that dad is gone, it seems even more important to continue those visits. I feel trapped and deeply discontented.
And yet...I have a wonderful group of friends and a creative community where I can take refuge. Attending Squam Art Workshops in September was a wonderful respite--I fell into creative flow, and laughed and cried and swam in the cold lake. I was content and at ease. I want to be able to create that feeling at home and at my mother’s house.
HI Terri, Had I to do it over, I would be an art therapist. People can block words, but drawing/art bypasses those limitations and allows a person to express their true selves.
What brings contentment to your life?
Such a good question, Janice.
Starting each day by saying 3 things that I'm grateful for...one about someone I love, one about the world, and one about myself...this always start my day with happiness.
A cup of "English" tea - lots of cream and a little Truvia.
Playing in my garden. I used to call it working in my garden until I realized that most of the time I don't really feel like I'm working.
Talking with my children and grandchildren, hearing their stories, listening to the emotions in their voices.
As I write this out, I realize how much contentment I have....so thank you for asking the question.
Hi Heather, As Donna said, I think we tend to miss moments of contentment when they really are there.
There are snippets of time I have such great contentment... reading a good book, my art going well, a good night's sleep, time spent with my husband doing nothing or doing something, no matter... and things going right when I step out of my comfort zone... actually the latter brings pure joy. What I'm struggling with is having to do things that don't bring me pure joy or contentment but must be done anyway. It's more difficult to do things that don't bring any sort of delight or satisfaction as I'm aging. I can do them, but there are many moments filled with dread before having to do these unpleasant tasks. This is something I must work on "getting through" so they don't rob me of the precious moments I so eagerly embrace.
Hi Patti, I know what you mean - how do we find nuggets of contentment in those dreaded tasks?
I really like what you shared from the Better Up website Janice. Running that "comparison" gambit can get tiring! I have felt a significant "shift" this year though - probably even more noticeable these past few months. Somehow attached to my "Perfectly on Time" mantra while taking steps to embrace some new options (like ballet and tap dancing). As I have some quiet coffee jazz playing in the background my level of contentment is high. As I prepared to go celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving with my daughter and family tomorrow my gratitude is also high. Daily thought provoking readings plus meditation also play a part but I also agree with Donna that it's easy to get caught up in moments (at times) and miss the magic. Thanks for helping raise awareness for all of us.
On the whole issue of contentment, I think we need to realise that nothing in life is linear. It's filled with curves and ups and downs and if we keep examining every turn, every down time, we are going to make ourselves true malcontents.
There are moments we can't ignore, obviously, and that we have to engage with, but happiness (contentment) is fleeting and comes when you least expect it. Maybe we all need to step back a little and give ourselves permission to just 'feel'. And then move on if we can.
It's very simplistic I know, but as I progress through my 70's I try to bat the curve balls back and if I miss, then I try not to dwell too much. If that means I must attend a psychologist to get myself back on track, so be it. But generally, I would describe myself as a person who is content with what life is offering on this particular day at this particular hour. Can't ask for more than that.
I think that is the essence of it "being content with what life is offering on this particular day at this particular hour."
Thanks Prue - brings to mind just dealing with "One Day at a Time" :-)
I feel content in the simple routines at home, good coffee, books, my cats. I agree that mindfulness and gratitude are so important! So impactful to seek happiness in what we have and resisting the urge to compare our lives to other peoples. Thank you for your words, I’m going to read this post multiple times.
Hi Renee, I agree, it seems so important to seek happiness in what we have rather than comparing our lives and/or wanting more.
Recognizing what brings contentment and joy is big. It also seems like as we get older we stop searching for fun or joyful things to do because we easily slip into autopilot. For me the ideal would be to notice what I already have, which is writing, reading, meaningful conversation, movement, and contribution. Where I am currently lacking, due to life circumstances, is doing fun things outside and going to a city to do city things.
That may be it - we slip into autopilot and take for granted the contentments we have. They may also change over time.
I think being actively aware of when and why we feel contentment is so true. We certainly notice the bad stuff when it happens and must recognize the wonderful moments, too. Your readers have listed many in the comments. I'm grateful and content with my life, although I have regrets about the past. However, I've chosen not to dwell on that and focus instead on all positives.
Thanks for your thoughts. Many resonate. Contentment comes with small things I do daily, like reading, exercising and yes most of all writing. I just can't seem to wipe the smile from my face after writing something that feels good.
Hi Mo, The writing allows me to express myself and be creative at the same time - so I know about that smile of which you speak.
"... accept yourself as you are today ... value all the opportunities and experiences you’ve had." Yes! Stop resisting and just surrender. It makes this phase in my life so much easier to havehave accepted who I am now and all the small joys I still have - solitude and quiet in my little cozy cottage, good neighbors, reasonable health, an old car that never fails, family close by. Blessings, al! . As far as "experiences"? I write about them every day ( and substack them!) so I won't forget. Thank you, Janice
Hi Sharron, As you say, I think the key is acceptance of what is and who we are.
Since dad’s stroke after Thanksgiving in 2022, I’ve been traveling every other week to stay with my mother. It’s hard and it leaves me feeling cranky and depressed. Now that dad is gone, it seems even more important to continue those visits. I feel trapped and deeply discontented.
And yet...I have a wonderful group of friends and a creative community where I can take refuge. Attending Squam Art Workshops in September was a wonderful respite--I fell into creative flow, and laughed and cried and swam in the cold lake. I was content and at ease. I want to be able to create that feeling at home and at my mother’s house.
HI Terri, Had I to do it over, I would be an art therapist. People can block words, but drawing/art bypasses those limitations and allows a person to express their true selves.