Contentment – Why it is a Key to Happiness
You may have heard that the secret to happiness is contentment. Perhaps someone has even advised you repeatedly to be happy with what you have. But have you ever questioned what true contentment actually is?
Contentment – what is it?
Being content implies being content with who you are, where you are, and what you have. It demonstrates respect for the present-day realities. It involves appreciating what you already have and your current situation. Having contentment does not imply that you have no desires; rather, it simply implies that you are happy with the way things are right now and have faith that things will work out for the best in the future.
Many individuals today believe that life is a race or a competition in which you must excel in everything. They may desire a more luxurious vehicle, a larger home, a higher-paying job, or more income.
The problem is, the race for the next goal begins as soon as we complete the previous one. Sadly, it’s rare that people take the time to sit back, unwind, and express gratitude for everything they have already accomplished. And in some situations, ambition easily turns into greed.
Even after crossing off every accomplishment on your list, you still don’t feel happy. It’s possible that the unsettling feeling that something is still lacking remains. The missing thing is contentment.
Why being content is so important
There are so many benefits that comes from finding true contentment in your life. These include:
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Peace of Mind
Peace of mind and optimism that are brought by contentment can encourage development and self-improvement. This does not prevent you from having objectives and dreams. Accepting the present while wishing for a brighter future is possible. Being content just means accepting the present moment without being complacent.
It may be more challenging to be inspired to work towards a better future if you are not content with where you are in life right now. You should work on being content if you want mental calm and a pleasant outlook.
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Stronger connections
The advantages of contentment extend beyond your individual wellbeing and can affect your relationships as well. (Abuse-related relationships are an exception to this, though.) You are teaching yourself to accept others for who they are when you allow yourself to be content.
Relationships may become stronger through encouraging sentiments of happiness and prosperity by accepting others—flaws and all—and by being pleased with the present. It can foster trust and admiration in relationships and encourage healing and progress.
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Simplicity
You stop overburdening yourself when you can tell your wants from your requirements. You liberate yourself from the pressure of continually desiring more. Simplicity increases contentment. It teaches you to be content with what you have, no matter how little or how much you have.
You begin focusing on your personal development rather than wanting your possessions to increase. Because, in the end, satisfaction and inner peace may be more important than the vehicle you drive or the home you live in.
Gratitude, understanding that nothing is permanent, the reality that financial possessions don’t always lead to lasting satisfaction, and the fact that life is not a competition are all crucial for experiencing the essence of contentment.
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Happiness
Being content encourages happiness. Your ability to let go of sometimes excruciating cravings for what you can’t have depends on how content you are in the moment. Acceptance consequently sets in. As a result, accepting your circumstances gives you permission to be joyful. Life could be far more lovely if you were thankful for everything you do have rather than focusing on what you lack the majority of the time.
Final Word
In some cases, dealing with a mental health illness can make it harder to feel inner peace or contentment in life. In this situation, reaching out to a psychologist can help. At Positive Mind Works, we have a large team of psychologists who are experienced in a wide range of areas. To book, please call our reception team on 1800 327 477 (AU) 0800 327 477 (NZ) or click here to book online.
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