Contentment

Recently I started reading a book about contentment. If you haven't read Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow, I strongly recommend it. I read through the first 3 chapters rather quickly, and I am now going back and reading them more in detail. The first chapter describes a "prescription for contentment" in which the following are mentioned:

• Never allow yourself to complain about anything - not even the weather.
• Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
• Never compare your lot with another's.
• Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
• Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours.

Wow. What a concept, right? My first "wow factor" is the first word in each of the 5 "rules" - NEVER. When I was younger I was always taught "never say never," but I can't help but think how much more peaceful my days would be if I "never" did these things. Secondly, to never complain about anything - even the weather - is beyond me. Obviously this person does not live in the south- ha. What a challenge, what an awesome idea. Throughout grad school I've found myself finding more and more to complain about. This may sound weird, but it's almost like I've found it a challenge to be content, and found it easier to be discontented with my life. Generally when asked how my weekend was, I've responded with "not long enough" - how selfish can I be?

So here's my point: I'm encouraging myself to practice the prescription of contentment. Rather than focusing on the negatives, I'm going to look towards the positives. Instead of finding something wrong with my circumstances, I'm going to rejoice in the opportunity to learn from the circumstances. Contentment has nothing to do with circumstances or with people - but rather our outlook on it all.