As a generation, we perceive our happiness in materialistic possessions.
It is not what I think; you can feel it yourself. For instance, look at the media.
It is constantly promoting luxury products as a necessity.
Whereas, these products are simply an illusion that dissipates as soon as you get hold of it without bringing the true satisfaction and happiness.
Therefore, it is essential to know what real contentment is and how you can be contented without even having the so-called luxuries.
What does it mean to be content?
Contentment is a state of satisfaction and happiness with the simple things in life. Let me put it in simpler words.
It means to be grateful for what you have.
Buying a new car is always exciting, but this feeling does not last forever.
After months or years, you would like to have another latest model car parked on your porch.
This feeling of excitement attached to the newer and better things does not ever end.
As a result, your happiness is always fluctuating.
Contrary to this idea, being content with little things- no matter how old or new they are, bring in the long-lasting satisfaction of your soul.
There is an ironic notion of the concept of contentment.
People often confuse content and success.
They fear that being content would mean no success in life.
Because they think once they have reached the contentment, they do not need to strive for better things.
I beg to differ here!
Being content doesn’t mean to turn into a deadbeat with zero motivation and ambitions.
In fact, being content makes life more prosperous.
It intends an attitude to involve yourself in activities that provide joy and, at the same time, give meaning to your goals.
People who are content with life always have something to look forward to every day.
They have a purpose in their lives.
They are not just goofing around aimlessly.
To be satisfied, you should have certain aims and need to work to achieve your target.
For example, your goal can be as simple as helping stray animals.
This will require you to provide them with shelter, food and care.
In this way, your aim will motivate you to get out of bed each morning, search for the stray animals.
Put them under the supervision and feel content at the end of the day.
How Can I feel Content?
Although feeling content isn’t exactly easy, but it is possible.
If you wish your life were different, then that’s an indication of longing for contentment.
Three things that can help you achieve it include acceptance, patience and gratitude.
Satisfaction with life can do amazing things in all aspects of our lives.
That’s why you need to know how to be contented with little things of life.
Here is the small guide about the things you can practice for being content in life:
- Stick to your values
What do values mean? Your values are what you care about the most in life.
Values drive you towards your goals.
They motivate you, as well as calm you down and eventually make you grateful.
When your thoughts and actions are in sync with your values, you are more authentic, which ultimately teaches you the art of being content.
If you are not sure about your values, keep in mind the things that make you feel passionate, motivated and fulfilled.
Practice self-care
I am not wrong in saying that we are more inclined to plan our future than to enjoy our present.
We imagine ourselves to be happier, healthier and slimmer in the coming days. Don’t you?
However, the only option you have is to take action to achieve your future goal.
Taking action means practicing self-care first.
Prioritise your health and wealth to fulfil your dreams.
A healthy mind, body and soul can take you to places.
But to be content with what you have, you need to start paying attention to yourself.
Your nourishment from both inside and outside will only aid you in attaining a grateful personality.
Listen to your inner voice
Self-awareness is a part of self-care.
A self-aware person can pay attention to their gut, which enables them to recognize what is in their mind and heart.
It is their inner voice that tells you what matters to you the most.
Your gut is never a liar.
When something doesn’t feel right, most definitely, it isn’t.
By trusting your instincts, you make better decisions that positively influence your life.
You must be thinking about how.
It is simple!
Start practicing activities and surround yourself with the people who make your soul happy and make you content.
Count your blessings
The best way to get to contentment is by counting your blessings.
When you feel unhappy about not having something, take time to be grateful for all the right things.
All you need to do is reflect on your life.
It will divert your attention from what you don’t have to what you do have and will bring positivity and feelings of contentment.
Stay patient
Anyone patient is somewhat content with his life.
Patience is the ability to stay calm and let things unfold at the right time.
You wait calmly in the face of adversity.
If you practice patience, you will observe that you possess everything to be content with your life.
Take a deep breath
All of us are hustling in life to get one thing or another…don’t you?
This often worn us out, but we keep on going because this is life.
Here is an advice from my side; pause for a minute…take a deep breath and smile!
Taking time to breathe makes you appreciate the things around you and be grateful.
Go for minimization
Possess less achieve more!
Got the idea of what I am talking about? No? Let me elaborate.
Minimization means to have less and possess the things that are only required to lead a happy life without the fear of losing.
The minimalist lifestyle is to reduce materialistic possessions and learn to enjoy little things in life that come free of cost.
It may include happiness, contentment and confidence.
Minimization is not just getting rid of the unwanted things.
It also involves staying away from toxic relationships, people and situations.
This is how going for a minimalistic lifestyle sets you mentally-free and helps you feel contented with life.
Say no to comparison
You can never have a peaceful life unless you stop comparing yourself with others.
Comparing your life with others takes you away from contentment.
There will always be people who have better possessions.
Don’t you think we always compare our weaknesses with the best assumptions we make about others?
I mean, you see your friend’s new car, but you do not know about the sleepless nights they have spent to achieve that car.
Therefore, instead of comparison, you should spend time recognizing your blessings and potential.
Everyone is created uniquely; the only requirement is self-acceptance and self-recognition.
Develop acceptance for what you can’t change
Once you are aware of what you already possess, you will automatically start accepting yourself.
You will learn to value your personality, time, possessions and relations of your life.
Acceptance is to take things and situations as they are without any judgment and bias.
Clouded thoughts about yourself lead you to rejection of yourself.
It only triggers you to seek the things that are far away.
So, take a minute and think where these thoughts are coming from.
You will realize the lack of self-compassion and perceived inadequacy and failure is drowning you away from your own self.
Hence, you need to ask yourself what is more important, accepting and appreciating what you are or trying to get something thing that is too far away.
It is also essential to note that this does not mean you should accept everything that is thrown at you because you are practicing self-acceptance.
However, acceptance means not to push the right things just because you do not like them.
The Bottom line to being content
It is now safe to say that being content can never be your destination.
Contentment is a lifelong process of growth.
It requires you to keep a continuous check on yourself to have the peace of mind and soul.
In short, contentment isn’t being contented with your present situation in life and never have an urge to improve it.
It is a matter of being grateful for what you have, but understanding that as a human, you will always need to work for improvement.
If you are not up for the improvement, it simply means you have given up on your life.
You should also know that nobody, and I repeat, nobody can help you feel content unless you put effort into yourself. So, start appreciating the simpler things in life that give joy and peace of mind.
It will improve your physical and mental well-being, providing greater strength and energy to pursue the things you cherish.