This was on Life Pulp yesterday.
“We tend to forget that contentment doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Contentment is not the fulfillment of everything you want, it’s the realization of everything you already have. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” -Unknown (posted here by Effendy Karto)I read it this morning as the sun was rising out my kitchen window. I had just stepped outside to hear the birds, who always sing the loudest as the sun is coming up. It was a simple minute. By the time I sat down at my kitchen table again, I could agree that yes, “Contentment . . . is the realization of everything I already have” because I have it. Everything.
I’m not talking about enough to eat or clothes to wear or a home, although yes, I have those things. But I have this amazing family, both immediate and extended, that overflows with love. I have friends who support and care for me. My children have opportunities. I have an amazing education. I have room to be creative. I have my health. I have gratitude (that’s growing).
I need nothing more.
What a liberating moment! I am content with what I have, and I am unburdened from keeping up with the Jonses. I don’t need anything more, especially not any more material things. And in fact, I am better off than the Jonses because they’re still looking for things to make them happiness. I can’t buy happiness, and I won’t try. I am content. I am happy with what I have in my life right now.
And then I realized something more. I have too much. I have more than I need, more than I could possibly ever need. My cabinets overflow with stuff. My drawers are full of clothes that I don’t wear. I have extra books, shoes, extra decorations, extra stuff. And it’s nothing that I truly need. In fact, most of it stays behind closed doors until it’s needed once a year, if even then.
So in October, I will tackle the clutter, the excess, the junk and work on getting cleaned out, cleaned up, and organized. Being professionally and personally organized was one of my long-term goals, and starting with such flourish can set me on the right path toward success, and further contentment.
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