Contentment.

con·tent·ment/kənˈtentmənt/ Learn to pronounce nounnoun: contentment

1. a state of happiness and satisfaction.

We have all had periods of unhappiness and stress in our lives. Somehow when we hit those low points we tell ourselves we are the only ones. The “other person” over there has no idea, they are at perfect peace and content with everything and everyone. Why? Why, when we are down do we escalate our own sorrow by telling ourselves these lies?

Remember, maybe, back in high school, you said, “I’ll be happy when I finally graduate.” Then, when graduation day finally comes and goes, you say, “I’ll be happy when I get out of college.” After that, you’re out of college but you’re back in the parent’s house and you just know you’ll be happy when you finally get your own place.

You get a job and get your own place—but you’re not making much. That’s when you just know you’ll be happy once you make a little more money. Then you get a raise, and everything seems to be going well, until you realize that you’re lonely—and if that perfect guy or special lady would come along, you’d finally be happy.

This is a story many of us have lived. What we have here is a contentment problem. A failure to communicate with ourselves on a REAL level. Our world is addicted to a “Bigger is better” and “What’s next?” mentality. So the idea of just slowing down and enjoying what you have right in front of you before moving on to the next thing is foreign to some people.

Contentment is a powerful thing! When you truly realize who you are, you can own stuff without being weighed down by it—and you can finally climb off the “I’ll be happy when …” treadmill and stop comparing yourself to others.

The Bible says God knew us before He even formed us in the womb and that He knows the number of hairs on our head. That’s deep! He doesn’t love us because of our Tory Burch shoes or our Louis Vuitton purse. He loves us because He created us. We were the first of His creations that He called “very good”!

Buddhists believe to find contentment in ourselves and in our lives, we must develop a few skills — known as the Five Faculties in Buddhism which later, with practice, become powers. Through practice and development, we can overcome obstacles on the path to ease and contentment.

The skills we must strengthen, develop and implement are:

1. Confidence / Faith
2. Effort/ Energy
3. Mindful investigation 
4. Concentration 
5. Wisdom

So, what IF you still struggling? Well, I have some good news for you. Take time for some introspection. It’s okay. Let go of any FOMO here and go inward. Meditate, journal, ask questions and then see what your intuition tells you. Maybe it’s time for some coaching. Sitting down with someone and have them help you sort out some of the questions.

The grass is not always greener – but sometimes it is… in which case it’s time to make a change. But, more often, I think it’s just a different kind of grass!!!!

Keep it real people and if you think you want an ear to hear you. A coach to ask you some questions I am here for you! Reach out