NEW YEARS 2026 - Contentment

Happiness is supposed to be the holy grail of life's achievements.  We read that attaining some degree of happiness is the ultimate objective.  I'm happy a lot--not unhappy for sure.  But those are emotions, which are transient by nature, and a response to specific situations.  Emotions are immediate, in-the-moment experiences―fleeting. 

Life satisfaction is about the quality of one's life.  And although subjective, it's an assessment or evaluation--ranging from positive to negative--of how a person 'likes' their life at a particular point in time.  Using life satisfaction as a benchmark can feel like measuring up to a (often self-imposed) standard.  

Well-being is the condition of life as-a-whole going well according to what a person values. While more general and less critical, maintaining a sense of well-being is subject to changing circumstances and the sway of outside influences.

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Contentment is an attainable goal and a sustainable state of being.  It's a looser concept and totally within our control.  It takes whole-heartedly adopting an attitude of acquiescence; a deliberate decision to accept where we are, appreciate what we have, and be satisfied with what we've achieved in life.  And it's also fiercely embracing a positive outlook regarding whatever comes our way.  In choosing contentment, we're rewarded with inherent feelings of happiness and well-being.    

It's more gratifying to experience continual contentment than seeking intense emotional experiences only some of the time.  Contentment is more of a quiet feeling, an inner peace.  It fills you and is fulfilling.  Instead of looking for overwhelming joy, look to the things in your life that warm your heart and delight you in their simplicity―sitting alone in the morning sunlight, a pleasant afternoon spent with friends, reading a bedtime story to your grandchild―and let those feelings soak in and become part of your soul.  Soon those feelings will rush in each time you close your eyes. 

Creating balance in your life is also a means of finding contentment.  It’s learning to keep a steady pace, focus on one thing at a time, setting priorities but being flexible, choosing only what you truly need, want or enjoy.  The obvious work/play/sleep balance is just the beginning.  Consider the juxtaposition of other aspects of life that are worth keeping in balance: Socializing vs. time alone, goals vs. realistic expectations, time indoors vs. time in nature, reading news vs. staying positive, expanding your mind vs. relaxing, and the most timely, screens vs. time off technology.

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Things that bring me contentment:

  

The coziness of winter in a deep armchair in front of a fire, a mug of something   

    warm, and toasty toes

Spending time with family

Decorating interiors

The emerging of spring in the garden

A good book

A home with children and pets

High tea at a grand old hotel

Photos of beautiful homes and gardens

Traveling to charming and scenic places

Time spent alone

My house shrouded in fog

Everything about Christmas

Jazzy swing music of the 30s and 40s

European Café culture, with chairs facing out, leisurely people-watching with a 

    coffee or aperitif, with a friend who doesn't have to rush off (and no phones on 

    the table)

Having brunch

The harvest moon of late summer

Pastoral views

Entertaining friends

Being greeted by my pups each morning

Paintings that speak to me

The feel of autumn sunshine on my face and body 

Designing my home and garden

The idea of gathering at Thanksgiving

Patinas of time, wear and weather

Eating al fresco at dusk.  Sipping wine.  Platters of food served family style, not all 

    or once and not all hot.  Less of a 'let’s sit down to eat now while it’s hot' and 

    more of a slowly unfolding, natural progression into the next course.  Casual, 

    unhurried, lingering

Writing this blog―a photographic journal of my life and thoughts

 ❖ The Beginning of a New Year ❖