Contentment is a choice. Just as love is a verb, we truly believe that happiness is too. Throughout life, there will be challenges and hard times that we can’t control but the one thing to always remember is this:
We don’t react to things that happen, we react to things we tell ourselves about things that happen.
What does this mean? It means that we are in full control of how we see things. Every reaction in life is in our full control, even if it doesn’t feel it. If you’re used to reacting to things with panic, you will continue to do so unless you change it. If you’re used to reacting to things with carelessness, you will continue to do so until you change it. Here’s how you can cultivate the habit of being content. Content with everything you have and everything that happens to you. It doesn’t mean that you should do away with ambition, rather, react positively to things that happen, no matter what.
Listen to the stories you tell yourself
Let’s say something upsetting happens in your life. Perhaps it’s a relationship breakdown or you’re dealing with grief. Unfortunately, both of these things are something that are a part of life so dealing with stresses is something we need to learn to do. If, after a relationship breakdown, you tell yourself that you “can’t live without” that person or “you just weren’t good enough” for them, or they were a “waste of time,” this is your reaction to what has happened. This is different to the actual event of the break-up. Once you can differentiate from how you’re reacting and what has actually happened, your contentment will begin.
Listen to the facts
So the facts are, the relationship has broken down. Anything else you tell yourself is coming from your own thoughts. The facts, once you manage to do away with the clouds of emotion, are a lot easier to deal with. Finding the silver lining in your suffering is the key to coming through life’s problems.
Flip it on its head
Whichever negative thoughts come into your mind after something bad happens, you can choose to see the positive instead. Don’t forget that there is always something to be thankful for, even if it’s just a lesson learnt.
Tell yourself affirmations of contentment
Meditation is a tried-and-tested way of making yourself happy. Spending time with yourself and your mind will not only allow time for reflection and inner connection, it will give you a chance to feel gratitude. If you set an intention with your meditating time, you will come away full of positive energy. Repeat these affirmations to yourself while you meditate:
Contentment is my right. I am grateful for what I have and I deserve to be content.
Every new day starts with happiness and ends with contentment.
Find out what you love the most
…And do more of it! Every one of us has a passion of some kind and this is your purpose. If you secretly love stamp collecting or gardening, don’t ignore it. Set time aside from your professional and social life to practice more of what you love. You’ll find contentment and have a great time doing it.
Be a little selfish
Practicing self-care on a regular basis should be always something you have time for in your diary. Everything from exercise, yoga, massages and manicures count as your me-time. Yes, sometimes it will mean saying no to friends and family, but we think it’s healthy to be a little selfish sometimes.
