I watch Rosy as she navigates through the day showing me there is a way to find contentment. She has slowed a bit, but just long enough to observe what I am doing before she charges up the stairs behind me. She waits to see if I am running back down them again or staying there. She is the clue to the first way to spell contentment. #1. Know what it is you really want to accomplish before expending the energy to do so!
Watching efficient and productive people shows us the second way to find contentment. It is simple. People who accomplish a lot of work have learned how to prioritize and do it well. They perform one task at a time and finish it. Then they sit back for the moment to appraise the situation and salute themselves for a job well done.
Focusing
The third way to find contentment is to stay active and show up to the events that mean a lot to you. These may be personal or business related. Contentment comes from appreciating the good things in life. Gratitude and a spirit of recognizing how others have touched your life is by taking an active part in their activities. It is recognizing how others have succeeded. We need to stay joy-filled and happy with the accomplishments of those around us.
The next time you feel frustrated or discontent with with yourself, ask “why am I dissatisfied?” Perhaps it is a restless feeling for something you have yet to achieve. Perhaps it is because you have not reached out to those around you. Do you need a break from your responsibilities? Maybe it is time to sit back and watch like Rosy often does to just reevaluate if it is worth the effort to run up those stairs again!
Linda is a Counselor, Educator, and Catalyst. She helps people navigate through the tough times and achieve their dreams. This summer she is offering one-on-one tutoring for students. She’ll help them learn to organize and focus. In the Fall, when it is time to return to school, they will hopefully be more engaged having practiced a few basic skills.