Contentment is not something we do very well. Are we satisfied with our house, our clothes, our latest holiday, our social photos online? More often than not, the answer is no. Even when we get our latest ‘wish list’ item we then move onto the next thing or bigger and better. If we are buying a new car or house-hold item, do we get what we need or do we go that one step more and get something a bit bigger, a bit more expensive?

Contentment is something I am continuing to learn about. As my inbox fills with emails about the latest sales and season fashions, I have realised I need to be mindful of my thoughts in order to catch out the lie that I need more things to be happy. I also need to avoid the comparison trap when I look at the lives other people lead. Comparison is the enemy of contentment.

“Look at that sea, girls – all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen.
We couldn’t enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of
dollars and ropes of diamonds”
– from Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery

In the end contentment isn’t about what you have or don’t have, it’s a state of being and it is something I am trying to cultivate in my life. It is simply freeing once you get used to it. I am free to have something and free not to have something. ‘Things’ do not impact whether I’m happy or not. Obviously I am still learning and sometimes I look at that new winter coat with longing, but I have to remind myself that it will not make me happy. I choose to be content with the lovely jacket I already own.

Someone is happier with less than what you have
– Anonymous

Let me encourage you to start practicing contentment. It will take time, but it will also allow you to experience a sense of freedom over things and the lives of others around you.

Love Jess xxoo