The secret to contentment (house, how many, scene, money)

[HIF]

I've been in a contemplative mood the past few days and am curious how many folks are content with their lives.

And what do you think is the secret to contentment?

[mystree]

I'm still looking for the secret myself.I need a change except for my husband and family of course..I am content there.
I need to see and do more and I will as soon as I quit worrying about every little what if...

[BlueWillowPlate]

I don't think there is any *one* strategy for contentment.

I think it can be sort of a formula.
For me, it is when you have
1) halfway decent health
2) a day-to-day sense of purpose
3) a feeling of making some sort of difference (however small) in the world.

If you have those things, then it is easier to love yourself, and in turn love others.

Contentment is different from happiness. Contentment is sort of what happiness is after it grows up.

BTW
I am still working on all this, every day. It's not like I have the Secret To Life or anything.

[tasmtairy]

Originally Posted by cil

I don't think there is any *one* strategy for contentment.

I think it can be sort of a formula.
For me, it is when you have
1) halfway decent health
2) a day-to-day sense of purpose
3) a feeling of making some sort of difference (however small) in the world.

If you have those things, then it is easier to love yourself, and in turn love others.

Contentment is different from happiness. Contentment is sort of what happiness is after it grows up.

BTW
I am still working on all this, every day. It's not like I have the Secret To Life or anything.

Very nice Cil, I need to work on all 3 of those. I have a health issue I am working on. I got another job which will start on the 10th, which will help. But, for the first time in my single life, which has been many years, I am unfullfilled in some way and I am not sure if it means having another person in my life or not. I am not involved enough with anyone or anything. I think work will help, although I tend to get consumed by it, so I'm going to try to not do that with this job.
My greatest wish is just peace of mind.

[kittytoes2006]

Originally Posted by cil

I don't think there is any *one* strategy for contentment.

I think it can be sort of a formula.
For me, it is when you have
1) halfway decent health
2) a day-to-day sense of purpose
3) a feeling of making some sort of difference (however small) in the world.

If you have those things, then it is easier to love yourself, and in turn love others.

Contentment is different from happiness. Contentment is sort of what happiness is after it grows up.

BTW
I am still working on all this, every day. It's not like I have the Secret To Life or anything.

Good answer CIL!!!!

[Rance]

I am perfectly content. I could die today with a satisfied mind. I discovered years ago that keeping it real and simple was all I needed. No big fancy house, no big fancy cars, no big fancy wardrobe etc. Surround yourself with scenery, fresh air, a good dog (and cat), and a few good friends...and man, thats livin.

[LINCOLNSHIRE]

After over half a century on this mortal coil all I can reccomend is breathe deeply and do it on your own as often as you can.....

[square peg]

and don't sweat the small stuff.

[Rance]

And it's all small suff!

[PinkString]

I'm content. I don't have a mansion, or tons of money falling all over me (but i wouldn't mind it ), just have one car which i share.
Have 2 cats and tons of books. A computer so i can talk to y'all. Even if some of you are just virtual.

I think to be content, one has to have a positive outlook on life, have a purpose in life whatever it may be, love life just for the sake of being alive, and really like people and love animals.
I just described myself.