Wow, I just looked back and it was like 2 years ago I found this site. I have to say I miraculously found this site, not even sure how!! I wouldn’t use the word contentment rather I would say I have a better focus on my life & challenges. Between this site, my faith and my family addiction support group life has become way more manageable. I am able to find some joy again.
This works both ways for me. If I am content with what I have, I can be grateful for it. If I’m discontented and always seeking more then I’m not appreciating what’s right in front of me.
A poem by Maya Stein that for me fits with today’s question–
“Ribbon”
My fingers are moving, but not on this keyboard. Instead, they’ve opened
a bag of frozen mushrooms, sliced a quarter stick of butter, given a shake
to the jar of olive oil, turned the cast iron pan on high. There’s nothing to report
except how glad I was not to have slipped on the ice, and how the cashier
looked straight into my eyes, and that everything I bought fit into a canvas bag.
If you were looking for poetry, perhaps I can point your attention to the quartet
of ladybugs traversing a front window, the smell of shallots frying,
the thin ribbon of honey I’ve unspooled into my teacup, a memory I’m
carrying just now of lunch at the Driftless Café and the bookstore whose aisles
I wandered without picking up a single book or opening a single page.
Living from a place of gratefulness makes me slow down, take in the perfection around me, as well as that which is not so perfect. I try to embrace the reality of each, one being easier than the other for sure. I grow from both. I also think living from a place of gratitude brings more whimsy into my life, softens my heart, opens my heart. Which results in more laughter, smiles, even giggles. Make some magic where you can today, Friends.
I find it difficult to cope in this area. However, I am grateful for all the insightful reflections that have helped me. In the past, I have always been focused on striving and achieving my goals. But now, I am learning to accept things the way they are and differentiate between that and being indifferent. To determine whether I am mindfully pausing or just being lazy, I use gratefulness as a benchmark. It requires constant vigilance and self-love. Some days are better than others.
Yes it has. it is about changing focus from doing to as well being, which is being grateful as well for allowing space for simply enjoyment and togetherness with friends and loved ones also. Sounds strange may be, but it was kind of excluded in a way. Learning that Gratefulness includes all has made space to include all, acceptance even though sometimes still difficult, peace and joy and sometimes even allowing to be in the moment and in stillness. Work in progress… Greetings to all of you out there, and wishing a lovely day to you all.
Avril, I remember back in high school phy ed class learning about the SMART model for setting goals. I remember it being
1. Smart
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Realistic
5. Time
I learned a while back about setting SMARTIE goals as a manager, which adds to the list: Strategic, Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable.
Dropping a link in case anyone wants to explore this for their organization. https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/smartie-goals-worksheet/
I have many grateful moments but I need to work on living a life complete with gratitude and to find ways to live a more simple life. Thank you for this wise question….and thank you for all the wise folks that come to this site.
Yes, it has. I first was introduced to Brother David’s video “A Grateful Day” just about two years ago. As they say in sporting parlance it was a game changer. Newly sober, one more time, it led me to several daily practices. A reflection on this site in the morning and a reading of everyone’s reflections in the evening. A daily meditation, a 20-minute mindful standing yoga with Dr. Lynn Rossy. I wrote this quote down a while back, came across it once more and wrote it down again. “Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness.” Chuang-Tzu
Living gratefully has increased my sense of contentment by enjoying this website and the Daily Question. I look forward to reading everyone’s responses and seeing different perspectives. I’ve learned to focus more on the Present.
Have a great day everyone:) https://nationaltoday.com/national-butterscotch-brownie-day/ – mmmm I love butterscotch and this sounds so yummy:)
Yes, I definately feel more content. I am grateful that all my NEEDS are met. I live quietly amd simply and enjoy what I am able to do and I don’t fret about the things I am not able to do. I am part of everything that exists and that is quite enough!
Living gratefully frees my heart from hatred, frees my mind from worries, enables me to live simply, give more, expect less and enjoy every moment…….my heart is contented.
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Wow, I just looked back and it was like 2 years ago I found this site. I have to say I miraculously found this site, not even sure how!! I wouldn’t use the word contentment rather I would say I have a better focus on my life & challenges. Between this site, my faith and my family addiction support group life has become way more manageable. I am able to find some joy again.
Yes, definitely. Practicing gratitude
brings me back to this moment.
The present moment. The only
moment we really have.
Me too ! Thank you 🙏
It nurtures my ability to accept “what is.” It helps me roll with the punches. It deepens my ability to appreciate each day I am given.
This works both ways for me. If I am content with what I have, I can be grateful for it. If I’m discontented and always seeking more then I’m not appreciating what’s right in front of me.
A poem by Maya Stein that for me fits with today’s question–
“Ribbon”
My fingers are moving, but not on this keyboard. Instead, they’ve opened
a bag of frozen mushrooms, sliced a quarter stick of butter, given a shake
to the jar of olive oil, turned the cast iron pan on high. There’s nothing to report
except how glad I was not to have slipped on the ice, and how the cashier
looked straight into my eyes, and that everything I bought fit into a canvas bag.
If you were looking for poetry, perhaps I can point your attention to the quartet
of ladybugs traversing a front window, the smell of shallots frying,
the thin ribbon of honey I’ve unspooled into my teacup, a memory I’m
carrying just now of lunch at the Driftless Café and the bookstore whose aisles
I wandered without picking up a single book or opening a single page.
https://mayastein.com/poetry/2024/4/15/march-26-2024
Living from a place of gratefulness makes me slow down, take in the perfection around me, as well as that which is not so perfect. I try to embrace the reality of each, one being easier than the other for sure. I grow from both. I also think living from a place of gratitude brings more whimsy into my life, softens my heart, opens my heart. Which results in more laughter, smiles, even giggles. Make some magic where you can today, Friends.
You too Mary:)🔮
Thank you, Mary Mantei,.
I like whimsy as an element! I took improv classes over the last two or three months and it was delightful.
I find it difficult to cope in this area. However, I am grateful for all the insightful reflections that have helped me. In the past, I have always been focused on striving and achieving my goals. But now, I am learning to accept things the way they are and differentiate between that and being indifferent. To determine whether I am mindfully pausing or just being lazy, I use gratefulness as a benchmark. It requires constant vigilance and self-love. Some days are better than others.
Yes it has. it is about changing focus from doing to as well being, which is being grateful as well for allowing space for simply enjoyment and togetherness with friends and loved ones also. Sounds strange may be, but it was kind of excluded in a way. Learning that Gratefulness includes all has made space to include all, acceptance even though sometimes still difficult, peace and joy and sometimes even allowing to be in the moment and in stillness. Work in progress… Greetings to all of you out there, and wishing a lovely day to you all.
And to you as well, O. Christina.
Yes, it has. Living gratefully has helped me be more realistic with my desires.
I love this comment, Loc. Yes, I also need to be more realistic. Not complacent. But, I realistic about what I can attain.
Avril, I remember back in high school phy ed class learning about the SMART model for setting goals. I remember it being
1. Smart
2. Measurable
3. Attainable
4. Realistic
5. Time
I learned a while back about setting SMARTIE goals as a manager, which adds to the list: Strategic, Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable.
Dropping a link in case anyone wants to explore this for their organization.
https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/smartie-goals-worksheet/
Another link in case that one didn’t work that will get you to where you can find the goals: https://www.managementcenter.org/?s=Smartie
A grateful attitude encourages me to slow down. At a more gentle pace I have the time to appreciate the quality of my life.
Thanks, Laura. Your comment speaks directly to my situation today. Namaste.
I have many grateful moments but I need to work on living a life complete with gratitude and to find ways to live a more simple life. Thank you for this wise question….and thank you for all the wise folks that come to this site.
Yes, it has. I first was introduced to Brother David’s video “A Grateful Day” just about two years ago. As they say in sporting parlance it was a game changer. Newly sober, one more time, it led me to several daily practices. A reflection on this site in the morning and a reading of everyone’s reflections in the evening. A daily meditation, a 20-minute mindful standing yoga with Dr. Lynn Rossy. I wrote this quote down a while back, came across it once more and wrote it down again. “Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness.” Chuang-Tzu
Enjoy the gift and have a nice day all.
I agree with Avril, Joseph. Your words today remind me to “work my program” more intentionally. Namaste.
You sound as if you are in a very beautifully disciplined place.
I agree with you:)
Living gratefully has increased my sense of contentment by enjoying this website and the Daily Question. I look forward to reading everyone’s responses and seeing different perspectives. I’ve learned to focus more on the Present.
Have a great day everyone:)
https://nationaltoday.com/national-butterscotch-brownie-day/ – mmmm I love butterscotch and this sounds so yummy:)
Michele, some days you crack me up, and I love it. Thank you for being you! I would send you a butterscotch brownie if I could.😉.
I love you sharing the daily holiday.
Me too!
Does everyone know we’re in International Compost Awareness Week? When I saw this I immediately thought of you, Michele. https://www.compostfoundation.org/ICAW/ICAW-Home
I still need to do that, ugh.
A sweet treat indeed Michele. Thank you : )!
Yes, I definately feel more content. I am grateful that all my NEEDS are met. I live quietly amd simply and enjoy what I am able to do and I don’t fret about the things I am not able to do. I am part of everything that exists and that is quite enough!
Yes Butterfly, all of my needs are met. Sometimes, I am insatiable, though. If I reflect on when I feel dissatisfied, it’s when I lose gratefulness.
Good Morning Butterfly, I so appreciate your reflection this morning. It gives me something to think about. ..”To live quietly and simply”. Thank you!
Living gratefully frees my heart from hatred, frees my mind from worries, enables me to live simply, give more, expect less and enjoy every moment…….my heart is contented.
I love that, “being free from hatred.”