“Content is happiness” [Proverb].
Sometimes, as we’re comparing ourselves and our lives and our success (or failure) with that of another, we reach the conclusion that “the other person over there” had some type of head start on attaining success or reaching the finish line.
Whether due to family, marriage, luck, age, or some other condition, we’re convinced that if we had been afforded the same opportunities as Susie at work, or Joe down the street, or whomever, we would be enjoying a better, easier, happier, more fulfilling life.
“I look at what I have and think myself unhappy.
Others look at what I have and think me happy”
[Joseph Roux].
I don’t understand what compels so many people to “comparison shop” with their lives — dangerously wasting time contrasting their shortcomings against the strengths of another. Focusing on what they don’t possess, can’t develop, their slow start, or their current circumstances, instead of being grateful for what they do have, for the direction their headed, the opportunities in front of them, and the progress they are making.
If you can’t be thankful for what you receive,
be thankful for what you escape [Anon].
Why do we create arbitrary expectations and then use them as benchmarks for our contentment? What compels us to fill our lives with unrealistic “finish lines” which only serve as a constant reminder that we don’t measure up?
Benjamin Franklin said that “content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.” In a way I cannot explain, the ability to be content with who you are, the core of your being, your values, your outlook . . . being content with you . . . creates a confidence and unshakable platform upon which one can lead a satisfied and fulfilling life.
“When you are content to simply be yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you” [Lao Tzu].
Don’t allow the discontentment of others to infiltrate your life. If you look carefully, you’ll see that their sniping, lashing out, false boasting, ridiculing, and overbearing nature often stems from their own warehouse of unmet expectations and unfulfilled dreams. They bite out of fear — fear that you will look behind the curtain and witness their unhappiness and discontentment.
Instead of assuming responsibility for their condition and taking action for their future, they choose the path of projecting unrealistic expections onto others in an attempt to bring everyone down to the level of their discontent.
It’s so easy to be seduced by expectations,
to spend our lives searching . . .
for better, bigger, more.
When we often have just what we need.
Think about the positives.
Enjoy your family.
Your health, your wonderful friends.
Your blessings.
Allow yourself contentment.”
~ Patrick Lindsay
If you were to step out of the rat race for a moment, you might realize that the discontentment within yourself was created by people who really have no legitimate right to speak into your life: reality television, neighbors you barely know, famous people selling false expectations, acquaintances who don’t care, and colleagues who are content with mediocrity. Don’t be seduced into unhappiness by the ridiculous expectations of others.
“Contentment, and indeed usefulness, comes as the infallible result of great acceptances, great humilities — of not trying to conform to some dramatized version of ourselves” [David Grayson].
Whatever you are, be a good one!
Deanna
