Are You Content?

[forHISglory]

I was musing around, thinking of my blessings. And I got to thinking about contentment. So I wrote this in my blog:

" I often ponder Thoreau who said he could work 6 weeks a year and then take the rest of the year off to be free to do what he wanted to do. He probably couldn't live richly on that, but he was willing to be content in his simplicity. I also ponder the Apostle Paul who said that he had learned to live with contentment in any state that he was in. (Did he live in Missouri? he he he)

"If Ihave joy and contentment, then I have it all. If I have peace in my soul with mankind and God, I am set for life.

"So what destroys this state of mind? Obviously something does as there are a lot of discontented people walking around loose. I blame advertising and media for much of it, as it sets up a motivated sequence of wanting, wanting, wanting, and thinking that wanting is the same as needing. I also blame family structures that try to buy love or try to impress others.

"But as in most cases, discontentment or contentment is a personal choice. No one can force me to be discontented; I must choose which way to go."

I choose to be contented. I relish the freedom I have in this simplistic lifestyle. Are you contented? Why? If not, why? What do you think it takes to be contented? How would you define contentment?

[Its_Donna]

I am content. I am totally happy with our life, what we have, how we live, where we live. I love the stress free conditions I have created for myself and my family. I enjoy the simplicity in our lives and am proud that I have not been afected by others negativity.

Since walking the frugal and debt-free path I have become more content with my better side of life.

[Nantahala]

I am very content. I am only 29 and I've achieved my overarching life goal already (to move back home all on my own) and I've done that PLUS I have a good job, happy marriage, nice condo, good friends, a community I love...

[justpeachy92]

Content....satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

If that is the true definition of being content, then I guess I am not content. I am very happy with the life I have right now and their isn't any material object that I am wanting at this moment in my life. But I do have goals for my future. I have been a stay at home mom of 4 kids since 1996, I feel so blessed that I have been able to stay home with them. Yet at the same time I know I will one day return to the work force, and that is why I am back in college now. When I get a job I want to have a career with meaning to me, not just some dead end job that helps pay the bills. I also hope that by me returning to school I am setting a good example for the kids, so they can understand how important education is. Right now we are renting our home, in a couple of years I hope to buy a house. I also still want a fairy that comes in and scrubs the bathrooms so I don't have to, is the only household chore I truely despise.

[Darlene]

<DL><DT>"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." <DD class=author>Martha Washington<DD class=author>US wife of George Washington 1759 (1732 - 1802) </DD></DL>I love this quote and believe it wholeheartedly. When anything rocks my boat I choose to find the good (there is some good, however sometimes very small amount, in even the worst of times) and make the best out of most situations.

To me contentment means inner peace & I like sharing my joy of things with others so they can smile too. It's all those little wonderful, simple things in life that add up to a contented soul.

PS~ Yes I'm content.

[bluebird728]

That is my goal and getting there day by day. Was widowed this year, so life is in flux and lots of challenges. I am working on simplifying life and figuring out where to go from here.

[SweetPea]

Bluebird, I justed wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss, and hope that you find some peace and wisdom as you move forward.

To answer the OP's question, I am content. I have a wonderful husband and son, we are all blessed with good health, and although we live what to some would be a very simple life, I couldn't imagine anything else. I do think that advertising and the media in general, can cause discontentment, and a case of the I want's. I know that there are members of my extended family that have to have the newest and best, and are always trading up, at the same time, they struggle financially and are stressed out.

[forHISglory]

Bluebird, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's death. As a woman, I know that I will probably experience this, too, as we tend to live longer. I think of what life would be like without hubby, and I know that it will be a time of great adjustment. So as you are going thru this time, know that my prayers, and probably the the prayers of many many others are with you.

[Nada.Leona]

I am most content when I'm at home doing my housework, cooking, cleaning, reading, learning, taking care of my family. I am content at my simple little part-time job, where I do my job well and easily. I am content with and our kitties. The simplicity of my needs is what makes me content.

I don't need fancy parties, fancy jobs, fancy cars, etc. I am happiest when I'm living a frugal, simple life. Yes, that is contentment for me. And that is what we're striving to achieve by going to school.

[Cricket1]

Yes, I'm content. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my life.

[ilovechocolate]

I'm content because I know that God is in control of my life and He loves me and that whatever happens to me has to come through the filter of His hands first.

[changed4life]

I am content only because I've allowed God to lead my life. Just as Carrie Underwood says in her song, "Jesus take the Wheel," I know I can't live a content life without God taking the wheel. Since I've allowed him total control and look to him for answers I have been a changed person. Hence, my name..."Changed4life!" Plus, add a wonderful husband, two special kids, a beautiful home, money in the bank and hope for each new day and what else can you ask for? I truly believe these blessings all came from God.

[cab54]

Yep! I has contentment.

[Vegreenmom]

I think overall I'm content. There are those moments of stress that right now are just unavoidable because of some things we are going through. But I try to always look at the bright side of every situation.

[adavant]

Yes I am pretty content b/c I know that God is in control, if it were me in control then that'd be another story. He continues to prove to me over and over that he is truly providing for me and my family.