The key to contentment is as easy as that. Some of us struggle with it, but it’s really not as hard as we make it. It’s, well….Simple. It’s as simple as setting limits for what you allow in your life.
Sharpen your pencil and make list. What’s in your life? People, things, stuff, jobs, activities. Weights.
Evaluate each item on your list. What’s burdensome? What’s easy? And then, identify what’s essential. What do you really, really need? What can’t you live without? What makes you happy? Content?
Identify what’s essential and let the rest go. Cross them out. Gone. Done. You don’t need them.
See what happens.
Oh and by the way, this method works with kids, too. If you’re finding yourself frazzled as you try to balance your own life with multiple sports and other activities for your children, you both may be over-scheduled.
Does your child need to play two or three sports to be happy? Take piano lessons, go to Scouts, play soccer AND go to school? What’s it doing to the quality of your life? And theirs? Is anyone sleeping?
If the schedule’s gotten out of control, take control back. Get out your pad and pencil and with your child, make the same kind of list. And let something go.
Try it!
Contentment ….and its partner, happiness, might be the result. And what a great lesson for children, because setting limits will be required throughout life.
I’d love your thoughts.
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I love this! I have taken a very zen approach to parenting and to my life. I don’t NEED to have extra stuff to be happy, and neither do my kids. I do what I do to support my fam, and the kids do what they do because they love it, not because they have to.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Connect at Home with Amazon Voice and Wemo Mini Wifi Smart Plug @BestBuy @amazonecho
I think too many people put far too much emphasis on what they think success means. You don’t NEED trophies and accolades to be happy.
Vera Sweeney recently posted…Connect at Home with Amazon Voice and Wemo Mini Wifi Smart Plug @BestBuy @amazonecho
Reminds me very much of what my beloved Henry David Thoreau speaks of in Walden. Simplify. Cut life to what is essential. Love this.
This sounds like a good way of going through everything individually. Sometimes you just don’t realize how much you’re juggling every day.
I love this post so much, I think we all over schedule from time to time and feel frazzled. It’s nice to learn from that moment and make changes so that you can live content and be okay being content. Being busy isn’t always a great idea.
Maureen recently posted…Milwaukee Drivers Ranked Against Other Cities
This is a great post. I think a lot of us could benefit from simplifying our lives.
I’m loving this post, because this is so me. I’m always on the go and can never just sit and enjoy! I really need to just be!
I think each person has something different to make them content. My son participates in several sports and that’s where he sees friends. He’s happy seeing friends so I’m content, if I’m busy taking him I dont mind.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All recently posted…5 Tips To Keep Your Home And Family Safe
We do have a habit of overburdening ourselves. Making a list then trying to find a few cuts here and there will definitely lead to more happiness and productivity!
Theresa recently posted…Tomato & Orzo Soup
Sometimes we hold on too much without realizing that we’re just dragging extra weight that’s slowing us down. I think it’s really important to analyze and learn what to let go of! It’s really going to lead to contentment!
AnnMarie John recently posted…How to Choose: Community College vs. University
Simplifying life is what I would call it. Leave the people and the things that drag you down and just be content with what you have. I think that’s such an important thing to do.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama’s Place recently posted…Back to School Sleep Tips + Online Bedtime Calculator #MakeTime2Sleep
My schedule is busy but I accept it and adjust. I am worried about my daughter this year her schedule and extra-curriculars are brutal so I hope she can keep it up.
Love your approach Carol 😊 Too much “fluff” in a schedule and bang goes the contentment 😊
Linda Hobden recently posted…Spotlight on Golden Lady
This is really a great read! Contentment is one of the most important things we could teach our kids!
Toni | Boulder Locavore recently posted…Sicilian Cauliflower Salad & Toss Your Own Salad cookbook
I used to find being content difficult. Not anymore since I remembered one thing, enjoy the moment you’re in because you’ll look back and wish you had but won’t be able to change it.
It’s all about balance! I try not to over-schedule so we have plenty of rest time. We were supposed to go to a pool party today, but we’re playing video games instead, haha!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy recently posted…Vacation Myrtle Beach | Hollywood Wax Museum | Day 2
I need to do this. My kids are grown but life always fills up your days. I think it’s time to sit and right my list and de-stress
Rach Ferrucci recently posted…Parmigiano Reggiano Sauce over Potato Sformato