Have you ever had a conversation with someone about your life? You may be explaining the new job you recently obtained, or perhaps the neighborhood that you just moved into. Even though your tone and expressions may be joyful, the familiar question often pops up:
So, are you happy?
You hear the words as they are spoken, but probably interpret them as, “are you content?” Contentment is the goal of every person’s life. Whether it be through material things, or a loving family, or a successful job, what is truly pursued is peace, or contentment. Though chased, it is the one thing that cannot be tracked. Once this is realized, it may be obtained. People often make the mistake in believing if they earn a large salary, they will be content in the monetary issue. Or if they earn that next promotion in our job, they will then be happy.
Take that theory and reverse it.
The truth is, if one is able to find contentment in his or her life, whatever aspect it may be, no matter how far up or down the latter they are, they will be happy.
Contentment is happiness and it does not rely on any earthly status.
Consider a man who has worked the majority of his life in a cubicle. Right out of college he acquired a job for a reputable firm and has worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder. Because of his efforts, he advances significantly. But his goal is to continually better himself so he is never satisfied. He retires out of fatigue. Regret and disappointment are always in the back of his mind.
Now consider another. One who has faithfully worked for a business for several years. Like the other man, he betters himself and advance in his career. He does not always get the raise he wants, but because he is content, he feels no regret. He retires and is thankful rather than remorseful.
Contentment is a lifestyle.
If one is able to find contentment, the result is joy which, in turn, results in better performance. Contentment is extremely important because it is the glue that keeps ones happiness from falling away. Contentment breeds success. It breeds positivity, love, kindness, and pleasure. It is always good, a comfort to the soul.
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