7 Steps to Perpetual Contentment by Sheri Geyer

Contentment is the fundamental pursuit in each area of life. We want to get the house painted or our certification completed or the kids grown or something that we are convinced will enable us to finally be content. However, it is really a condition of our inner person. Sort of an at-peace-with-me feeling. It is also a foundation to enjoying life and being intentional in the moment. Can it be done? If so, how?

1 - Practice delaying gratification. Yes, you can do it. It gets easier when we imagine how it may be on a day to day basis for the people of Haiti. When you consider making a purchase, use patience and consider postponing the ones that are simply for convenience. If you end up purchasing the item later, it will be well thought out. If not, you'll be happier to have saved the time and money. To the one whom much is given, much is required. Enjoy the freedom and simplicity of "less is more".

2 - In the major areas of your life: spirituality, mate, family, work, friends, finances, health, personal development, charitable service and rest/recreation, consider establishing 2 or 3 value statements in each category that defines your convictions in that area. Such as, "for R & R, I need to be out in the fresh air and sunshine and I need unstructured blocks of time...". This will enable you to establish a thought pattern around the way you make decisions in the "to die for" issues of life. The process for making better choices is made simpler because your values are defined and explain why you do things the way you do them. If I know I need unstructured time during R & R, I will factor that in when choosing a vacation destination or how I choose to commit my down time.

3 - Make a focused effort to remain inspired and to be inspiring. Spend 10+ minutes each day reading something from the Bible, an inspirational author, or area of interest. Spend some time several times each week journaling learning experiences you glean from what you read, personal encounters, a movie you watch or just what comes to mind while you are in the shower. You will be amazed at how you can gain such positive perspective from your quiet times. Invest in others by offering an encouraging word in the way of a note, text or call to them when they are working on a particular event or endeavor or are facing a personal trial.

4 - Unplug from the technology of life and plug in to the simpler paths. Change gears for half an hour each day by taking a walk or a bubble bath. Find a neat little hobby such as painting or woodworking that you can enjoy and de-stress from the working hours in your day. Write a blog -- oh, I resemble that! -- on something that you have learned in an effort to enlighten others.

5 - Get a mentor - be a mentor. Spend time with people you admire and learn about their lives and interests. They can be living instructional aids to learning how to do things in a different, possibly more efficient way. Find ways that you can share things or teach a class around what you have learned with others who will benefit from your time. Show appreciation for what you learn and for the opportunity to share. I especially enjoy spending time with folks upwards of 65 and under 5. The wealth of information and the creativity amuse and inspire me.

6 - Reach out and get to know a neighbor at home or work. Don't worry, if you're the new-bee you can still take the initiative. Every friend we have was once a stranger. Be observant in watching for common interests. Maybe you both have kids the same age or at work it may be someone who goes to lunch at the same time as you.

7 - Finally, and this is not an exhaustive list, practice learning to be a great listener. By doing so, you will learn the true art of emotional intelligence and the high quality of "likeability". When you work to listen to others at deeper levels, you communicate to them that you place high value on them and the time they spend with you. You will also learn how to take the focus off of your own issues and personal challenges and be an encourager to others. This goes a long way in developing strong friendships. And, when you build relational capital by listening, you may very well find that you have a great friend and listening ear in place when you are in need of sharing your heart.

Practice these 7 steps on a regular basis for 30 days and judge for yourself if you don't have a life that can be defined as being more content. And the good news is that if you are around people who are discontent, you may be the one to influence them to a more positive stance.


http://sherigeyer.blogspot.com