Contentment

Ask a Toddler - Contentment

Contentment is a word often used out of context. It has the connotation of being mediocre and settling for whatever when in fact it is the acknowledgement and satisfaction of reaching your capacity.

In other words its asking yourself: ‘What more is left?’ and answering ‘nothing. I have given it my all. I’m spent. I’m done. There is nothing more I can do. There’s no more I can do’.

I think we should all strive to do our best whilst maintaining a level of pan metron ariston. We only get one chance at this life of ours and so why not plough everything you are and everything you have at whatever you’re doing. Why not? Stop and ask yourself occasionally why you wouldn’t…to avoid disappointment? To stay within the boundaries that have been built around us by others that care not for who we are or what potential exists within us?

I’m not talking about throwing all your eggs in one basket, because that can be short-sided, heavy handed and often inappropriate. I’m talking about intensely focussing on solving problems; I’m talking about getting to really know people; I’m talking about making meaningful contributions to your community; I’m talking about the physical effort required to clear that last hurdle and surpass your personal best; I’m talking about using all that is within you to live the life you want; I’m talking about reaching a state of knowing in yourself, being absolutely satisfied, that there’s nothing more you can giveĀ and that you’ve reached your capacity.

That is happiness. That is fulfilment. That is contentment.