Are You Content?

I’ve been thinking a lot about contentment lately.

To be content, according to the dictionary, is to be satisfied with what one has, not wanting or needing anything more or anything else.

An expanded definition might say that being content is being satisfied with what you have, who you are, and where you’re going. This kind of deep satisfaction culminates in peace of mind, calmness of spirit, and a non-anxious presence.

But it’s important to note that contentment is not complacency.

Nor does it demand an absence of ambition.

For example, the apostle Paul wrote that he has “learned to be content whatever the circumstances,” yet he was never complacent and he was very ambitious.

The difference is that his ambition was for a purpose greater than himself and his desire for success was oriented toward others. He was content with what he had, who he was, and where he was going; therefore…

He was free to serve others without “needing” to be served.

He was free to bless others without “needing” to be blessed in return.

He was free to help others without “needing” to be recognized for it.

I’ve been fortunate to reach a point in my life and maturity to be content. This contentment has given me…

Freedom from financial debt.

Freedom from the feeling of having to prove myself.

Freedom from “needing” to impress others.

Freedom from “needing” the approval of others.

Freedom from constantly striving for success.

Today, contentment for me is…

Posting on social media simply to share something interesting with others instead of trying to create a brand or build a network.

Ambitiously working to add value to others without obsessing over what others can do for me.

Sharing my blessings with others with purity of motive.

Celebrating the success of others rather than competing with them or comparing myself to them.