Wondering how to be content, even when you are not? Contentment: being satisfied with your current state of being. Is that you? If not, I understand. I’m sharing how to be content, even when you are not. Join me as we dive in and examine what it looks like to truly be content, even when you are not.
Before I dive into this post too far, I need to share something with you first! As we talk about contentment, it’s important to remember that being content is a lot about how you look at life and your circumstances. It’s equally important to change your circumstances if you want to and can.
One way to do that is to make sure you are always getting stuff free when you can!
** This post was written a few years ago, so keep reading for an update on this post on dealing with contentment during Covid-19.
WISH PLANNING A PARTY WAS A PIECE OF CAKE?
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Envy Robs Your Contentment
As I walked my kids to school today the same thoughts that have plagued me a lot lately crept right back into my head. My daughter was telling me about one of her classmates that just got back from a fancy vacation to the Bahamas. My brain started going to that place of envy, as far from contentment as it could be.
“How come they got to go on a fancy trip? Why can’t we go someplace fun like that? How did they pay for it? I’ll bet the whole trip was all charged to a credit card and they will be making payments for years! I want to go on a trip..when will it by our turn?” There I go whining…
Why Can’t I Just Be Happy For Them?
Why can’t I just be happy for them? I’ll tell you why, I’m human. I have my moments (more often than I care to admit) where I look at the moms around me and want to be like them.
We all have our moments of comparison, where we wish for more than what we have. I hope to provide some ideas on how to deal with those icky feelings of discontent that we all face.
My husband and I were talking this weekend about the current state of our family and it really got me thinking about my own life and my own level of contentment. I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling discontented. Yuck. Which is so silly.
If I asked you if you were content at this very moment, what would you say? Yes? No? Sort of? A little? Nope, that’s what my answer would be if you asked me.
I’m trying to think of a time in my life when I’ve been completely content, and I’ll be honest, I can’t. How about you? Are you content? Have you ever been completely content with your life? It’s a scary question to ask, as it requires some serious reflection.
Contentment: the state of being satisfied; ease of mind.
Always Looking For More
I’m that type of person who is always looking for more. More of what? I’m not sure, but I’m always going after something. Always wanting to get better, stronger, faster, more efficient, save more time, save more money, etc. Always striving to be something more or do and accomplish more.
It drives the people around me absolutely crazy and it drives me crazy too – it’s hard to keep up with at times. I can be my own worst enemy. When I fail to achieve, many times I want to give up.
Other times, I get really down on myself and have the hardest time picking myself back up and rising from the ashes of what I’ve created.
WISH PLANNING A PARTY WAS A PIECE OF CAKE?
There Will Always Be That Mom Who Has Is Better
Being content with life is hard. I mean really hard. There is always a mom who has it more together than me, or is in better shape, or dresses their kids in clothes that actually match (I really do try, but it’s a battle that I don’t want to fight everyday). Or maybe that mom who is able to travel and go on family trips more often, or is able to run a side hustle and actually make money at it, etc.
There is always going to be a mom that seems to have it better than you do, or seems to be more together than you.
Always.
That’s life. It’s also reality, that mom probably does have it better in a few areas of her life, but not all areas. She’s probably looking at you wishing she had what you have! Learn to be content with what God has already blessed you with.
There is always going to be that mom that seems to be more together than you. Always. That's life. But, she's probably looking at you and thinking the same thing! Click To TweetThere is always going to be a mom that seems to have it better than you do. Always. That’s life. It’s also reality, that mom probably does have it better in a few areas of her life, but not all areas. She’s probably looking at you wishing she had what you have! Learn to be content with what God has already blessed you with.
Learn to be content with what God has blessed you with! Click To TweetSteps Towards Contentment:
- Right now, make a written list (stop just thinking about them, take out a pencil and write them down) of 5 things in your life that bring you joy (such as: your family, your spouse, your kids, your home, your dog, etc). Then, go hang that list on your refrigerator for your whole family to see.
- Remember that comparison will kill your joy – so choose right now to stop comparing your life to others.
- Your journey is at a different stage than someone else – don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s end – it’s not fair and it will rob your joy.
- Turn off social media for a few days and focus on the 5 things above that bring you joy.
- Focus your attention on someone else and their needs – volunteer, make dinner for a sick friend, or call a family member you haven’t talked to in awhile.
- Play with your kids. Get down on the floor, eye level with your child, and play!
- Tell God all about it! Talk to Him and share your heart. Then, pray about it. Ask Him to give you a heart that is content and thankful for what you have and where He has you on your journey – no matter where that is.
- Contentment is a choice. Choose to be content no matter what life throws your way.
- If you want to change your circumstances, then do it! But, don’t complain along the way. Make an effort to be content and thankful at all stages of the journey.
I know how hard it is not to compare our lives to others. I know how hard it is to be content with all that life throws at us. Trust me, I really do. I’m right there with you. Let’s walk this road together and learn to be content no matter our circumstances:
“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” – Philippians 4:11-13, The Message
Want to talk about it? Sometimes it really helps to unload on a friend. I’m here – and ready to listen. Comment below, as I’d love to help you think through your circumstances.
Or let’s pray about it – jump over to my prayer page and let me know how I can be praying for you! What has life taught you about being content? What has God shown you in your situation?
Let’s do this one together!
Post Update – Covid-19
It’s really interesting for me to read this post in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. The crazy thing is that the list above still applies, even in the middle of this pandemic.
WISH PLANNING A PARTY WAS A PIECE OF CAKE?
I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling with Covid-19 life. Life is just plain weird right now. Nothing seems quite right. We are 4 months into this pandemic and nothing has gone back to normal.
Things are still uncertain. But, even in the midst of uncertainty, we can can still choose our response. I still believe contentment is a choice, even when we disagree with what is going on around us.
Want to remember this post? Pin this post, How To Be Content, Even When You Are Not, to your favorite Pinterest board right now!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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