Contentment

The secret of contentment is knowing how
to enjoy what you have, and to be able to
lose all desire for things beyond your reach.
Lin Yu-t'ang

I have a theory about life. The theory goes like this... Your best talents and strengths are also your worst traits and weaknesses.

Take CONTENTMENT for instance. I consider it to be one of my strengths. I have lived within two miles of the area where I grew up, with no desire to live anywhere else. I live in a small house, in a great neighborhood with no aspirations to be rich or famous. I have a wonderful husband and great kids....what is there not to be content about. I don't buy a lot of things or want very much. My rule is "if it still works fine why replace it" Like I said....I considered this to be one of my strengths.

It was pointed out to me that many people disagree on this issue. Some people even consider it one of my weaknesses.

I had a microwave that had no display on the front of it for at least 2 years. I didn't see a problem. It still worked great. You just hit some buttons and when your food looked done you opened the door and took it out. If the package says to cook something for 2 minutes on high, who turns the microwave on for that set period of time and just leaves it to shrivel and die. You always watch it and pop it out early anyway!

I had an old couch that I loved. It was great. Comfortable and the best sleeping couch we ever had. It still looked good so I was content. I just had to sew it up at least 2 times per month on the sides of the cushions. I was very content with an old van that I drove for years. It was perfect to haul kids and to loan to teenage drivers. I drove it until the paint and the wheels fell off. Finally Gary was embarrassed and made me give it up for a new car.

This weekend it was brought to my attention that my family room, which I am content with, is in need of a remake. I am having a hard time with it. I am content with my pineapple border, it has lots of memories attached to it and I love the colors in it.

I am content with the half dead plant on the table. It was given to me as a gift and it has been there for years.


I am also content with the 1980s entertainment center, the old school T.V. and the antique components. I am used to the mega-boss, mondo speakers that are so huge they don't fit to the side of the entertainment center. We have to put them on top.

Contentment is, after all, simply
refined indolence.(idleness, laziness)
Thomas C. Haliburton

I guess it is time to make some changes!