Feeling Content In Life Goes Beyond Happiness
Explore the profound journey of feeling content in life, a path that goes beyond the pursuit of fleeting happiness and momentary joy.
Feeling content in life involves a more sustainable sense of deep satisfaction compared to the passing nature of happiness.
While happiness is often tied to specific moments or circumstances, contentment is broader, and a more continuous state that arises from acceptance, gratitude, and a genuine sense of well-being.
In this article, we will explore the subtle differences between fleeting happiness and the enduring depth of feeling content in life. We will redefine what true fulfillment means in our everyday life.
My Journey Toward Feeling Content
Working as an oncology nurse in the hospital, I saw a tremendous amount of pain and suffering. I also, however, saw hope, true happiness, and a sense of contentment.
Without my awareness, many of my patients taught me to stand squarely within my pain. Their circumstance urged me to fully experience, embrace, and find contentment in life’s challenges and all of life’s circumstances.
Today, as I care for Doug who battles Parkinson’s, and as we navigate the uncertainties of our own life and future, I carry the invaluable lesson of feeling content in all aspects of my daily life.
This lesson has become an ongoing practice, guiding me through each moment with a sense of peace and acceptance.
The Pursuit Of Happiness
According to Britannica, the psychological meaning of happiness is,
A state of emotional well-being that a person experiences either in a narrow sense, when good things happen in a specific moment, or more broadly, as a positive evaluation of one’s life and accomplishments overall – that is, subjective well-being (1).
The cultural views on happiness affect what people think makes a good life. Each culture may focus on different things such as family, career, or community.
Depending on what a culture emphasizes shapes how those individuals within that community see and pursue happiness.
Society and social media can create pressure to make it look like we live a perfect life. This in turn can lead us to compare, spending time trying to live up to unrealistic standards.
This constant comparison can contribute to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and a relentless pursuit of happiness. Recognizing these influences is an essential part of cultivating a genuine sense of contentment.
Understanding Contentment
Merriam-Webster defines the noun “contented” as,
: feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation (2)
Contentment, or feeling content, refers to a state of satisfaction and peace of mind. It involves accepting and appreciating one’s current situation or circumstances regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
When we are content, we can find joy in the present moment, regardless of circumstances. There is a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the pursuit of momentary happiness.
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
matthew 6:25-26 (NLT)
Contentment versus Happiness
Happiness is often associated with temporary and passing moments of joy and pleasure, depending on external factors.
Happiness is subjective and influenced by various factors such as relationships, personal accomplishment, and the overall alignment of one’s values and goals.
Contentment however is deeper and longer lasting. It is a state of inner peace and satisfaction. It stems from an internal sense of acceptance, gratitude, and well-being regardless of external sources and circumstances.
Happiness may come and go depending on external circumstances such as good times, hard times, physical health, illness, owning material possessions, having money, not having much money, and so many other fleeting factors.
Although happiness may come and go, contentment is a state of mind that provides a stable and lasting foundation for navigating the challenges of life regardless of life’s circumstances.
Satisfaction and acceptance are the foundation of a contented life and provide a lasting sense of well-being.
When we appreciate the positive aspects of our lives while also accepting the negative without resistance, it results in a calming effect. We gain a sense of peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment that goes beyond surface happiness.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
hebrews 13:5 (nlt)
Factors That Influence Contentment
Feeling content is a consistent work in progress, and several factors, both internal and external, influence our ability to feel content.
External Factors
Relationships and social connections: Relationships and social connections contribute to a sense of belonging, emotional support, and shared experiences, which influences our overall well-being.
Nurturing positive relationships helps us feel a sense of purpose and connection. The quality of connections – trust, empathy, and reciprocity – directly impacts our sense of feeling content.
Material possessions: The influence of material possessions on contentment is nuanced, as their impact varies from person to person.
Material possessions may provide temporary satisfaction but their long-term impact on contentment is based on an individual’s values and priorities.
Although material possessions may not be the only reason for contentment, they can impact our comfort and quality of life, which in turn influences our feeling of contentment.
Career satisfaction: Career satisfaction and the alignment of work with our values contribute to a sense of purpose and contentment.
Striking a balance between professional pursuits and personal values is important for lasting contentment. When we engage in work that aligns with our values and interests, it can lead to a profound sense of satisfaction.
Internal Factors
Self-acceptance and self-love: Self-acceptance and self-love are the foundation for contentment. They provide a positive relationship with oneself that contributes wholeheartedly to feeling content.
Self-love and acceptance go beyond just the physical attributes and extend to our own unique qualities, values, and life circumstances.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness and living in the present moment allows for a deeper appreciation of life. It reduces stress and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
Mindfulness acts as a guide, encouraging us to live each moment with acceptance and gratitude. This ultimately influences our overall feeling of contentment in life.
Personal growth: Personal growth is a catalyst for profound and lasting contentment, as it involves a continuous journey of self-discovery.
Engaging in activities that promote personal growth, and being open to learning and development, all contribute to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT)
5 Strategies For Cultivating Contentment
There are practical strategies we can take to cultivate contentment, even amidst life’s highs and lows. Steps we can take every day to achieve a sense of contentment.
Here are my top 5 strategies for cultivating contentment in my daily personal life.
- Connection: Building meaningful relationships and genuine connections can significantly impact our overall sense of well-being. Engaging with others provides support during challenging times and enhances the joy experienced during times of celebration. Connection with close friends and community creates a foundation for lasting contentment in our lives.
- Values: Aligning our choices and actions with our core values brings about a strong sense of authenticity and purpose. This alignment fosters a greater sense of fulfillment and contentedness as we navigate life in harmony with what truly matters.
- Open and Curious: When we remain open and curious in life, we are adaptable to change and it allows us to find joy in the simple things. Staying open and curious leads to an enriching and contented existence, where each day becomes an exploration of discoveries.
- Nourish your Whole Self: When we have healthy habits and learn to nourish our whole self – mind, body, soul – we create an environment that supports contentment. Taking a holistic approach to well-being, and living a healthy life allows us to thrive in a balanced and fulfilled state.
- Gratitude: Taking the time to be grateful each day can profoundly impact our perspective. Gratitude shifts our focus from what may be lacking to what is present. This contributes to a more contented outlook on life.
Feeling Content In All Things
In the pursuit of a content life, it is important to take an all-encompassing approach to well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness between mind, body, and spirit.
When we take this holistic approach, it encourages us to consider the overall quality of our existence – an enduring all-encompassing journey through life’s highs and lows, rather than just searching for fleeting moments of happiness.
When we prioritize all facets of our well-being, we facilitate a more sustainable and enduring sense of contentment.
Through intentional living and embracing self-discovery, we navigate life’s challenges with a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Authentic Living For Lasting Contentment
Feeling content and the pursuit of contentment goes beyond the external trappings of success or societal expectations.
Feeling content is about embracing the richness of each moment, finding joy in the ordinary, and recognizing that true well-being comes from a harmonious blend of all aspects of life.
Taking this holistic approach to feeling content can feel empowering. I encourage you to start on your own life-changing journey toward contentment.
Where living authentically and in harmony with oneself will move you beyond momentary happiness, and toward a lasting and fulfilling sense of contentment.
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Reference
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/happiness
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contented
