“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have” Anonymous

My life is full of blessings I used to take for granted. I spent a lot of time dwelling on what I did not have – keeping my thoughts focused on the negative. I was robbing myself of joy. Once I stopped yearning for things – and began celebrating what I did have – I was filled with the joy I had always wanted.

Contentment – joy – is more than just being happy about the people, and things in my life.  It is not about possessions, or the number of friends I may or may not have. It is how I feel about them in my heart – on an emotional level. It is the feeling of awe that I get when I think about how much richer my life is by having them in my life. Learning how to live in This Moment made it so much easier for me to not take my blessings for granted, and have feelings of joy, and awe for what I do have.

Looking at my life right now, it would be easy to assume that I do not have much. I am 40 years old, and live with my parents. Everything I currently own fits in my bedroom, and my counselor still does not think it is a good idea for me to work. That is all just the surface stuff.  I have so much to celebrate – even though it seems as if I have so little.

I celebrate:

Nature – Nature is beautiful, awe inspiring, and amusing. Just this morning – when I took my dog out – I watched two squirrels playing/wrestling in the highest parts of two trees. I was amazed at their ability to tumble, and turn on thin branches without falling, and was awed by how quickly they scampered up and down the tree trunk. It made me feel joyful, and has created a very cool memory for me. It cleared my head, and was a great way for me to start my day.

Writing/Blogging – Learning that I enjoy writing is part of what saved my life. It is healing to be able to put my thoughts, and feelings down – getting them out of my head and into a place that is more beneficial. Writing has allowed me to record some important moments in my life, and helped me remember some wonderful times. Writing is such a blessing to me.

Relationship with my parents – For most of my adult life, my relationship with my parents has been awful. That has changed. The relationship I have with them now is a huge source of joy. I feel so blessed for being given an opportunity to change how I interact with them.

God – I feel joyful at the thought that God loves me for who I am – warts and all. He loved me when I turned my back on him, He loved me when I was angry with him, and He loves me now that I want him back in my life.

What do you celebrate?

Recognizing the many things you have to celebrate, and living in This Moment will add so much joy to your life. Give it a try!