Embracing Contentment Yet Still Striving Towards My Dreams

Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.–Mohandas Gandhi

When you live in a culture of conspicuous consumption contentment can be an elusive thing. But this morning when I awakened, washed my face, got dressed and tied my walking shoes for my pre-dawn power walk I was filled with contentment. I am a woman with many big dreams and desires. In this moment my life is at a place where I am definitely moving in the direction of those dreams, but I have not yet arrived. There is always the temptation to keep looking towards the future lamenting what I don’t have and looking forward to the day when all of my dreams have come true. Instead of focusing on that elusive future I embrace the contentment of this moment.

In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul reminds us of this: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” So it’s important to remember that contentment does not depend on circumstance rather it is a state of mind that you put on that is not contingent on anything else around you.

Contentment is a choice.

As my fingers strike the keyboard and I am remembering those moments this morning when I left the warmth of my apartment and my face felt the cool fall morning air, I am also reminded that all of that is in the past now. In this moment I am here. I am content with all that is in this precious moment. I see that I can be content with what is in my hands right now while still aspiring to move into something more.

Being content in this moment assures that as I strive towards my dreams and visions for my life I am not doing so from a place of lack or wanting. I am not looking to improve anything about myself because I am perfect just the way I am. As I take the inspired actions necessary to move me from where I am to where I will be, them woman that I need to be in order to fill those shoes will develop and emerge. God/ Source/ All That Is would not give us a dream, a vision, or a desire without also giving us the means to attain it.

No one said it would be easy, but as you often hear me say on this blog, the victory is in the struggle. The victory lies in getting up each time you fall down. The victory is in never accepting less than your best in anything you do.

As this year comes to an end I am so excited about everything that is coming up for us. I am grateful for all of my blessings and will continue to focus on simply being content in the moment, loving what is going on right now and moving forward with faith and confidence.