Consistent Contentment by Monica Gelinas

I was told recently that I look content.

My immediate response was, “I am.”

All week I reflected on contentment and noticed this has not always been the norm for me.

So, what has caused this new consistent state of contentment? And what does contentment really mean?

My positive psychology and coaching toolkit have enabled and empowered me to create patterns, rituals and practices to build well-being.

Happiness. Joy. Gratitude.

It has been a steady walk, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, sometimes easy and sometimes treacherous.

Faith and mindful self-compassion became my walking companions, helping me to do deep intrinsic work reshaping my relationship with myself and therefore impacting every area of my life, my parenting of adult children, my marriage and my leadership role as Executive Director of CC4C.

In due season, the flowering blooms of joy, happiness and emotions of well-being become visible, but the roots of contentment that anchor the flower beneath the ground need to be tended, nurtured and protected for consistent growth.

Contentment starts from the inside.

It is nourished with a mindful lifestyle and practices of forgiveness.

It becomes stabilized by focus and perseverance, its roots growing and thickening and becoming immovable.

Contentment is a deeper feeling of satisfaction and is laced with gratitude.

The result is a satisfied mind and cheerful heart. The satisfied mind becomes a gatekeeper for negative mind chatter and downward spiral thinking.

Contentment is long lasting.

It protects me from jealousy and envy. It promotes tolerance and grace. It reduces feelings of inferiority.

It has gifted me with a peaceful heart which, if I choose, can bring gifts of peace to our world.

My personal definition of contentment is a spirit, soul and body full of gratitude and satisfaction for exactly where I am, who I am and where I am going.

Unmovable. Unshakable.

Embrace the journey to contentment. 

Start small. Begin with a daily practice of gratitude, mindfulness, or self-compassion. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a life filled with joy and peace.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Philippians 4:11