The title of this post is said to be what Paul Revere inscribed on the wedding ring he gave his wife. I don’t know if that is true, and I have no idea if either of them lived its advice, but what a simple reminder that contentment is not something that is bestowed on those who appear to receive fortune’s favor, but an attitude toward life that anyone has the power to choose.
So why don’t more of us choose it? For one thing, it seems to me that contentment is not something we value in this culture (speaking of the United States). On the contrary, we are encouraged to strive always to do more, have more, and be better. Contentment seems to suggest settling for less, giving up, or even being lazy. Where does that come from?
Even being grateful can trigger achievement anxiety. I ran across a phrase recently: resting in gratitude. What a contrast to keeping a gratitude journal or listing 1,000 blessings. Don’t get me wrong. I have kept a gratitude journal and listed 1,000 blessings, and those were lovely practices. But sometimes gratitude becomes something to do rather than just a way of being. Gratitude can be exhausting!
But resting in gratitude – I feel calmer and more relaxed just saying the phrase to myself. I don’t need to go anywhere other than where I am. I don’t need to be anyone other than who I am. I need do nothing. I breathe gratitude. That is all.
Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment.
Breathing out, I feel it is a wonderful moment.
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Love this…thanks for the reminder.
Both “Live Contented” & “Resting in Gratitude” would make for a good T-Shirts.
Hi Thom, and thanks for your comment. I am so embarrassed. I’m having trouble with my comment function. I didn’t realize that I had a comment waiting from you to approve. Yikes, I need to figure this out! Anyway, I like your T shirt idea!
Nice reminder to enjoy what we have and not find happiness in “more”. Our country has got to be one of the worst for needing more all the time. Great post!
Thanks so much for your comment. Like I said to Thom, I’m having some trouble with my comment function, so I apologize for the delay in posting and responding to your comment. And yes, I agree about the need for contentment in our country. On the other hand, our economy depends on people wanting more!!