The Building Blocks of Contentment

Is contentment close or elusive for you?

Sep 08, 2023

Aloha Lovelies,

I have a birthday coming up in a few days. It’s made me realize I feel content at this time in my life.

I have good food, a nice shelter, and comfortable clothing. I have more than the absolute essentials, but not an excessive amount. I live in the midst of natural beauty.

I have an avocation in my writing. I have a higher purpose in my spiritual pursuits.

I’m in regular contact with my sisters and my best friends. Then there’s my two adorable pet companions.

I’m so fortunate indeed!

My life is not without challenges. I have a chronic illness that limits my diet, triggers aches and pains on occasion, and leaves me fatigued from time to time—but mostly it’s under control. I tend to feel overwhelmed by the practicalities of life—the crack in the ceiling, the clogged toilet, and the peeling paint on the gate. And, I worry about the well-being of my cats

But everyone has life challenges. That’s just part of being human. Mine are minuscule in comparison to others.

“A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.”
― Leo Tolstoy

Aside from these practical challenges, whatever problems I have are typically ones created by my own mind. They mostly centered around feeling I don’t have enough time and the wish I could do more.

But I could decide to drop all that chatter and feel satisfied with whatever I manage to do. I could feel satisfied with this moment now.

What about you? Do you feel content?

If not, why not? Is it a real external problem that you could change with time and attention? Or one that will never change and thus requires acceptance rather than resistance?

Or is it a bunch of thoughts in your head that keep you in FOMO (fear of missing out) or some other similarly dissatisfied state?

Honestly, I don’t know if I would feel content if I didn’t have the basics covered, which is the reality of many people in our world. But since I do, I feel grateful and will take a minute to celebrate contentment as my birthday nears.

What do you think about contentment? Is it close or elusive for you? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share in the comments.

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Until Next Time

After sending off this e-letter, I’m signing off for the day. Time for some relaxation. I hope you get some too this weekend.

Thanks for reading. It means a lot to me!

Much love to you. Wishing you well, always.

xo Sandra

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