Reflections in Leadenhall Market, London
I.
Note to self:
Contentment is something I've not always felt in my life. I seem to have a natural proclivity to be constantly rushing ahead, focused more on the next thing than the moment I am in the midst of, excited about all the possibilities of what might be around the corner and less prone to relax into awareness of what is currently happening.
I think finding contentment is an important part of the work of aging well.
Of course there will always be discomforts and new desires in our lives, but contentment does not require perfection. Rather it is, I think, a mixture of peaceful acceptance of one's situation, of gratitude and recognition of what is enough, of wisdom in making choices.
The work is in creating a life that fits comfortably and fills basic needs, that cultivates relationships that satisfy.
How to do that? Achieving contentment, I think, is a choice of focus.
- Being fully present in moment you are living.
- Finding the balance in cherishing memories of the past, appreciating the present, and planning for the future.
- Not comparing yourself to others or to yourself in the past.
- Practicing an attitude of gratitude.
- Accepting that people are who and what they are, for their own good reasons. Look for reasons to enjoy them. If you can't, find other relationships.
- Being clear within yourself about what you need to be content. Start taking the necessary steps to move in those directions.
- Valueing the things you already have and make the most of all their possibilities.
- Accepting physical strengths and limitations with grace and gratitude.
I'm working on it!
II.
"At some point, you gotta let go, and sit still, and allow contentment to come to you."
― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
III.
"Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones!"
--Mike Dooley
**Thanks for reading. I really enjoy your comments and will be over to visit your blog.**
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Being content in the moment is hard to do, I'm always thinking of what's next, even when I'm typing here, get letters out of order because I'm already thinking of the next word.
ReplyDeleteYou have put a lot of reflective thought into your post this week. We each have our own way of dealing with life and one man's meat is another man's poison so good luck with your pursuance of contentment.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Autumn brings about reflective moods as we've spent the last couple of weeks deciding on which way we want to move forward and why we put up with people who drive us nuts lol. Good luck x
ReplyDeleteWhat a sincerely written post! And your reflections are good for anyone to consider at any age.
ReplyDeleteA great list for reflection and goals. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can be contented at some stage. Like the photo.
ReplyDeleteA good choice of photo to head up your reflections. I think contentment must have a lot to do with having reached what you define as your happy place...but then, as I read somewhere ..the secret to happiness? If you want to be happy..then be happy. I am fortunate in feeling content, yet open to more possibilities. A thought provoking blog Cynthia.
ReplyDeleteI think as we get older, some of the things on you list just come naturally--the world calls it wisdom. Sometimes, though, we have to be taught some things like I was last year. I hurt my back when we were moving and that was a huge wake-up call for me. Until then, I had taken my health (and age!) for granted but had to realized that I'm not a spring chick any more. Although I am now mostly recovered, I have some 'reminders' that I don't have to do it all today. You are absolutely correct that acceptance of where you are is the key.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Cynthia - I'm working on it too!
ReplyDeleteSome days I'm content to reflect and just work on being grateful. I bought something special at the market the other day and the cashier asked, "What's the occasion?" I answered, I'm celebrating just being alive."
ReplyDeleteI'm content to agree with all that!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really need to read this every day. Sometimes I feel like I have spent my life thinking about tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI will have to work on that too! :)
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