“All things on earth thus change, some up, some down;
Content’s a kingdom, and I wear that crown.”
-John Heywood 1497-1580
Ah, contentment. That elusive muse more fleeting than prey in the presence of its hunter! If you’ve ever felt the warm embrace of contentment, you know of her charms.
Contentment can be known in any situation. Perhaps you’ve been content doing nothing or maybe you’re more prone to know it when busy. Either way, contentment is contentment. It can be found in any activity. Business, sports, music, work, play. The setting matters not, in fact, the setting provides the canvas upon which your contentment can be painted.
How would you describe the times when you’ve known contentment? Did worries subside, focus sharpen, tension abate and pleasure increase? What stands in the way of you wearing the crown of contentment? As Heywood noted, “Content’s a kingdom.” What kingdom do you rule?
I am convinced that contentment is the natural state, but it is no longer the normal state. Contentment is not dependent on what you have or don’t have relative to others, in fact, contentment is often more easily known as concern for material goods recedes in priority. Contentment is an inner state made possible by a constant state of thanksgiving and appreciation.
Some say incorrectly that money is the root of all evil, but they misquote. It was said that “…the love of money is root of all evil…” that will result in its idolators being “pierced through with many sorrows.” You may have heard someone say “If only I had such-and-such I would be content.” Rarely is the prize of contentment found inside the shell of a much lusted after object.
How often do you take a moment to consider all in your world that you appreciate? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Hourly? Appreciation opens the door to contentment. Contentment opens your heart and mind to the greater possibilities for change in life. Conversely, discontent imprisons your creative self and constrains to bitterness, cynicism and pettiness.
The choice is clear. And remember, contentment is a choice! It cannot be given or taken away by anyone or anything. Contentment is a crown you choose to wear or choose to leave on the table in the dressing room of your life.
The choice is yours. What will it be?
Gregory Hake 
If we could put love under a microscope I’m sure we’d see it is made up of millions of moments of appreciation.
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What a wonderful forum this is, to not only receive such amazing insights, but also the perspectives shared by others.The fullness of appreciation so easily washes away the rancid seeds of discontent.It is great practice when we are caught in the downward spiral of discontent, to begin focusing on those thing which we appreciate in our world. My daughter say its like”magic”the heaviness of the heart gives way to that warm embrace of contentment, and the crown again sits in its rightful place.Thank you for the reminder that it is as easy as flipping a light switch on in a dark room.A choice that can create such a powerful change within all of our hearts.
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What a beautiful thought to start my weekend. Appreciation and contentment are readily available. No special circumstance, no certain person…just me and my heart.
Thanks for the gift.
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Love this … and I completely agree. Contentment is such a wonderful state of being, I’ve long believed that I understand the concept and appreciate what it means inside “Me” to be content. This was never more apparant to me than two days ago. (I actually sent my mother an e-mail b/c the emotion was so tangible)
The boys and I moved from the hotel into a VERY small apartment on Monday. The apt. has no dishwasher, no microwave (I haven’t picked one up yet) and is filled with rental furniture – as far removed from our original concept of home and hearth than we have ever been. You would think that the air would be filled with angst and terror; that our energy combined in that small room, away from everything familiar, would breed discontent. I stood in the kitchen, folding a few hand towels, and listened to the boys play on the floor in the next room. I stopped and smiled – took a deep a breath and actually FELT how calm I was on the inside, and how good I felt. Everything was right in the world – no matter how wrong. I was content.
I am one that is motivated by challenge and change. (Don’t tell me I can’t do something)- and I run fast. I appreciate the fact that I am able to feel the good and the calm while completely embroiled in the moment. (ok – possibly not the exact moment! :)) Hopefully teaching my children how to deal with adversity, change and discomfort but to also realize the good and the gifts that come with it. Contentment does not have to be elusive, you just have to be aware of yourself.
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It’s wonderful to hear that you’re making such good use of the limited and challenging situation you’re facing. That will put you in perfect position to handle things as they start to normalize and then open up. Good work!
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Whatever “Normal” is! HA! I’m just going to take every day as it comes and try to suck all of the good out of it! Normal seems far too relative right now – lol. Have a great weekend!
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The best life skill to learn is how to be appreciative and the earlier the better. We can learn it from others as we grow up but it’s easier when we learn it from our parents. (makes teen years tons easier)
Your kids are lucky to have you.
Wish you peace.
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I really appreciated what you wrote – I’ve been in similar situations, where on the outside, it’s crazy as anything and you may not even know what’s coming tomorrow, but on the inside, there’s that place of calm and peace and you can find joy in the simplest of things.
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I also agree that contentment must be the natural state, for given the slightest chance it brings its blessing so abundantly and makes apparent how much one actually has to work to maintain a state of discontent. “Misery loves company,” but would we rather be a part of the collective default? How much a little appreciation primes the pump for contentment to flow here and now. Thanks for making the choice clear!
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