Contentment reduces stress
Think about all you have accomplished and all the good things you already have in your life; don't dwell on what you haven't accomplished or what you still want. Focusing on what you don't have and not on what you do have is a major stresser for most people. It is human nature to want more or better than what is, however, this thinking keeps us dissatisfied with our lives as they are. Thinking that happiness will come when a certain desire is met fuels a cycle that will only continue. If, for example, we think that we will begin to be happy when we get the job we want, and we do get the job, we'll then say, "I'll be happy when I get that raise." Then when we get the raise we think, "I'll be happy when I find the person of my dreams." And on it goes.
Most people want more than what they have. If we don't get what we want, we focus on all the things we don't have. This way of thinking leads us to a place where happiness will always elude us.
The road to happiness is paved with gratitude for what we do have. Life is like reading a mystery novel - if you peek at the end to find out whodunit, the book is no longer fun and exciting to read. Our dreams and aspirations are what keep us growing, our present lives are who we are, and who we are right now is wonderful.
Sometimes it may be difficult to find something to be grateful about. This is particularly true when we are in a bad mood. To find gratitude in our lives it is helpful sometimes to write it down. Start a list of the things you feel fortunate to have. The list may at first be very short, however, with time and consideration of what is around us, the list will quickly grow. We may not have reached our dreams yet, but the list will demonstrate to us daily that we are on our way!
Remember, contentment does not equal complacency. We can't just wait for things or people we want to come our way. We are responsible for our own lives and our own happiness. We have to take the steps necessary to get to where we want to be. In the mean time, enjoy what you have and who you are today!
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