One thing I’ve learned this past year thinking on daily gratitude. Gratitude says, “I’m content” when I look around me at the things that I have. It does not whisper, “I’m satisfied”.
Being content with the things that I have doesn’t mean that I’m not constantly striving to do better and improve. It means that I understand that I am in the place that I need to be right now, in order to become the best version of me that I can. It’s a fine balance to strike, and one that I sometimes struggle with. I’m totally not ashamed to admit it.
As a small business owner, as a mom, as a wife – I always have things that I’m working on improving. That keeps me from getting “stuck in a rut”. But I’ve also learned that I need to be content with where I’m at. Not impatient with myself or the circumstances that have me here. They are for a reason, and I need to embrace them and learn.
It’s a mixture of content but not satisfied that allows me to be grateful on tough days, and push myself to be better all the time. As a mom with a busy schedule, I’ve learned to be content getting 2-3 exercise sessions in per week. Am I satisfied? Sigh. Not really. But I understand that’s where I’m at, and I’m grateful for the time I can squeeze in. I’m content with quick meal planning and simple healthy meals because I know it’s what’s realistic. I’m not satisfied with my recipe arsenal, so I’m always searching for quick recipes that are healthy, too.
Being content helps me embrace where I am and give up that criticism that I whisper to myself, while at the same time pursuing a better me.
Thanks for joining me as I share what I’ve learned on daily gratitude through the month of November!
What an inspiring post! This is a great attitude to have – be content with where you are right now, even if you’re striving to improve. I struggle with this every day – thanks for re-framing this for me. It really helps 🙂