12.01.2007

Contentment


"Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed" (Dalai Lama)

What’s better than being happy? Being content. Today I feel very content and as I analyze those feelings, I understand that gratitude is an integral part of the equation.

So, I am grateful for. . .
*A roof over my head. (a very nice roof, I might add). There are a lot of families who do not have a place to call home.
*Mark's job, because it gives us the opportunity to be independent and live comfortably.
*Being able to eat what I want when I want, while others starve.
*Good health. I have learned to be grateful for health during the times when I didn't have it.
*Enjoying my childhood. I had a lovely, protected, sweet childhood.
*My wonderful dad. He took care of us all and gave us comfortable lives.
*My loving and dedicated mom . She has taught me many lessons, and I wish I had learned to listen to her sooner.
*My sister. I love her with all my heart and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
*My children, in-laws and grandkiddoes. Each one of them is a blessing that I will forever cherish and never be worthy of -- but for which I will always be grateful.
*Having someone to love who loves me back. Mark and I have made it through thick or thin, come rain or shine. It's nearly our 33rd wedding anniversary and for this, too, I am grateful!
*A Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me though I know that oftentimes I disappoint Him. He and His son are my strength and my peace.

I have so much and I am trying to learn to value what I have, to love without needing anything in return.

This to me is contentment.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

cheers to that! i totally agree!

hoLLy said...

i need to focus on the things i am blessed to have too. its easy to lose sight of that and get down on yourself and your life when the kids are fighting, the babies crying and the husbands late from work and dinner isn't cooked.(ok, so obviously that happened recently:) one of those days...

Anonymous said...

We're the ones who aren't worthy of you!! :)

Hacking it up said...

Jan-you are so thoughtful and reflective- I love reading your blog...it's always full of good advice, and it helps me to slow down a little and relish life. Thanks for being awesome you! love you!

Anonymous said...

Well Said - and i can testify that you do eat whatever you want - those were some mean buffets back in Reno and Vegas

Emily John said...

You have a wonderful perspective on life and things in general. I so enjoy you blog, you always have a way with with word to make one stop and think. I wish I knew you in person.

Emily John said...

You have a wonderful perspective on life and things in general. I so enjoy you blog, you always have a way with with word to make one stop and think. I wish I knew you in person.

Natalie Scott said...

Remembering to be grateful and content is the essence of happiness, I think. Thank you for being such an example of that, Jan.

You're so uplifting, as usual!

Val said...

I love you too!

Kristi said...

I love this list!! You are one blessed woman and it reminds me to be thankful for the things I have been blessed with. :) Thanks!!

Pedaling said...

very nice words.

and a very nice blog, i might add.