At the end of the day, you’re another day older.
Heh. Sorry for the lame Les Mis reference, and that’s not what I mean anyway. I mean that at the end of the day, if you have done your best, if you’ve treated people with kindness and respect, if you’ve been honest with and loving to your family and friends, and if you are grateful for the blessings in your life — then you have no choice but to experience at least some contentment.
In spite of some unexpected scenarios popping up with the show, and the requisite stress that comes with encroaching performances and hanging details, I am largely content this day.
We don’t allow ourselves to experience it often enough, in my opinion. Americans are seemingly hard-wired to fret and scheme and wring every possible minute of work out of every day. It’s like if we’re not exhausted by 10 p.m., we have wasted the last 24 hours. We have to stop that.
What if we were to say, “I am going to deal with my life today projecting an attitude of contentment, to wit, if I can’t change a thing, I will work around it/with it. I won’t let it destroy my day or rob me of joy.” Imagine the worry (which solves nothing) and stress (which’ll eventually kill you) you will avoid. That hasta count for something.
OK, fiends. Ready, steady, do it. Try on some contentment for size.
AMEN, sister Bird! One second of stress or worry will not change the outcome of anything. I know we’ve all heard this before but, life really IS too short for all that mess! I have been very close to death, and it really does change a persons outlook. Love, laugh, live. We should all be thankful for what we have – so many have so much less. I’m thrilled to read that you are experiencing some contentment. You go and have yourself a fabulous day, sweetness! LOVE YOU!!!
Well said, Mave — perfectly, in fact! I had a good day. Crazy, but good. Best part: it’s OVER!
See you soon — love ya!
I enjoy reading your blogs, and this one especially hit the mark–a dead on bullseye! Could contentment be describe as being at ease in the middle of a storm? Contentment doesn’t mean being inactive and passive, but is advancement with a settled state of mind, heart , psyche regardless of the circumstances/struggles/joys that inevitably make up the fabric of our lives. One inspired writer indicated that if I don’t have contentment, I can learn it. He said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who give me strength.” In my wishful thinking, I imagine that I would have more contentment if I won a mega million lottery, but I’ll never experience that. So, contentment, as you stated so well , is appropriate, helpful and need in the right here and now. I am glad that you had a good day, even though it was crazy.
Ah, yes — Paul.
He was inspired indeed! And so was your comment, RD. Total high five on contentment being a learning process. I think sometimes we expect contentment, and not view it as something to be molded and acquired. I agree that we appreciate contentment the most when it happens during times of strife. That’s what makes it special and helps us find peace.
Well said! OK now buy me a coffee.