Treasuring Contentment in Big or Small Doses
Create and Treasure Little Moments of Contentment
In yesterday's post, I shared with you a process for learning to focus on contentment. Small moments in which you can indulge in feelings of satisfaction and happiness are to be cherished. These little joys throughout your day can become more prominent in your life as you notice and embrace them. That is what I would like to talk about today. Let's take a look at ways you can proactively work to create and treasure little moments of contentment every day. Soon, you will notice these times become more and more frequent.
Look for the Good
It may seem obvious that you should look for the good things in life. However, this small change in daily habit can be one of the most difficult to implement. The truth is, though, that beautiful things lie in the ordinary all around you. You simply must take time to look. This can be literally, in which you look around you for something to appreciate. Perhaps it might be the smile of a small child or the presence of your best friend. It can also be figurative, like basking in the gratitude of your blessings or appreciating your special skills.
Accept Yourself
While it is good to always be open to growth and learning, it's also important to learn self-acceptance. This includes minimizing comparison, avoiding unnecessarily harsh judgment and appreciating your gifts. When you start to like yourself and to feel good in your own skin, you're primed to appreciate the good things about yourself and your life.
Live Your Values
Sometimes our actions do not match our desires. When we make an effort to change that, we can start to more easily bask in contentment. For example. Having a clear conscience by choosing to do what you know is right will contribute to a mindset that allows true progress to occur. As will living your truth without worrying about what others think.
Take Care of Yourself
When you are physically rundown, it can be nearly impossible to reach a good place mentally. That is because you're too tired to pursue your goals or you don't feel well enough to look on the bright side of life. Remember, it is much easier to dwell on the negative than to notice the positive. If you're low on energy or don't feel physically well, you're more likely to remain stuck in a cycle of negativity than if you feel fresh and active.
Keep Growing
Look for ways to continue self-growth if you want to be content. This can include learning something new, indulging in an experience you have always wanted to do or simply trying to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. Stagnation leads to feeling stuck and unfulfilled for most of us. Growth allows for positive feelings like pride, excitement and, yes, contentment.
There are so many other ways you can focus on the positive moments to cultivate contentment. Perhaps this list will give you a jumpstart you can build upon in ways that fit you and your own life.
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Martha – Thank you so much! Positivity shines through and around you!
Another great article Cindy! I always look for something good in everything, staying positive is the best thing for me.
Chef William – I think cooking and being a Chef is very creative, and demanding! So happy you enjoyed the article. Granny Smith and Peanut Butter, pretty good, but I like Cashew butter with my apples and a dab of cinnamon!
Dominique Walton Brooks – Thank you and I am so glad you liked the post!
Roy A Ackerman – Thank you Roy!