What is contentment…??
Contentment is about focusing on what you have and paying attention to its meaning. A person is content in his life by looking at himself and realizing whatever he has achieved, whether big or small. Do you have health?? Do you have friends?? Do you have a good relationship with others?? Do you have dreams and a vision to work towards them?? Have you left past pain and acknowledged inner strength??
Why?? Why not?? Contentment is reached by asking yourself these questions and realizing the blessings you have right now, whether big or small. We all have something in our lives that we enjoy, that inspires us. But happiness is achieved by action more than by self-realization. Inner realization is important, of course; however, happiness in life is created by actions that add to your contentment. If you feel content, then you have taken a giant step.
What is happiness…??
Happiness is about pursuing goals, dreams, visions. I am happy because my mind is occupied with my pursuit of health; therefore, I create habits, rules, strategies, actions daily towards health. More than wishing for health, I act towards it by exercising, by consuming more healthy foods, and by disciplining my body and mind to adapt to these actions. The goal of making money, of being a better spouse, of being more knowledgeable–all is the same. You must create habits, action, discipline towards goals.
We have been born to achieve things, perspectives, ambitions, goals, etc. Happiness lies in the process of actual pursuit. Happiness is not passive, but it is active. The feeling of happiness is like a vehicle: A vehicle’s only purpose is to move from point A to point B. Yes, it is nice to look at a shiny car; but if it doesn’t move, run, take you here and there, it is useless. And a person also feels useless if he doesn’t work toward goals–whatever these are.
What is it about…??
It’s not about the actual achievement per se, but about focusing your energy, your time, your direction in life. Creating that feeling in you of accomplishment, of being good at something you like, of following your passions and desires. This feeling is nourished by your mindset, by your actions, by your efforts. It’s all about growing that feeling in you. It’s all about being able to tell yourself “I am working hard towards this and I am creating steps to achieve my goals”.
And this is something that you create in you. It has nothing to do with others. Creating happiness in your life is about you and your pursuits. If you lean on others, or if your happiness depends on the events around you, then you are not in control, which means you are not really creating your happiness but just wishing for it. Many of you won’t understand this. Many of you will understand it. But just know that to be happy, you must create action. You love yourself, others, life, by creating the right action.
- Asa Rodriguez - 