Being More Contented

Wednesday, 24 February 2016

African cross in window


I'm trying to fill life with experiences, quality time spent with quality people or nothing rather than stuff.  

I'd love to be more positive and contented, but am not very good at it.  Cuddle Fairy's #nocomplaints day was a challenge.  I caved at lunch-time and had a bit of a whine and a moan.  It's a work in progress.   

Most tips on being more contented I've seen aren't very practical or achievable.  The ones I'm about to share are.  They're from How to Be a Bad Christian-- And a Better Human Being by Dave Tomlinson.  As they're half a page in a 226 page book and I've paraphrased, I should be okay copyright-wise. 

  • Make a list of things you're thankful for, keep a gratitude journal for a few weeks or write nice things down and store them in a jar to open as and when.  Be sure to express your thanks.
  • Connect regularly with nature.  Walk in the park or in the countryside.
  • Don't compare your life with other people's lives.  Have the courage just to be you.  
  • De-clutter your space and your mind whenever possible.  Keep life simple.  Post to follow.
  • Have fun!  Make room for "gratuitous pleasure".
  • Spend lots of time with people who love you.  Just because they do.

Tomlinson finishes with the Prayer of Serenity:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference". 

I heartily recommend Bad Christian.  Describing itself as "Christianity without the guff", Tomlinson looks at the big questions - forgiveness, living in the present, seeing God in suffering and appreciating the good in other religions etc.  He encourages you to see God as loving and inclusive. To think things through rather than accepting without question what you're taught.  

What tips do you have for being more contented?    Please share in the comments.  I need all the help.

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18 comments

  1. Those are some great tips, I think many would find them useful to live by or at least observe occasionally! #bestandworst

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  2. I think your highlights from the book are great ideas for being happy. The author makes some interesting points. I think seeing God as friendly & all inclusive is a lovely thought. It was really nice to have you take part in the #nocomplaints day! Thank you for the mention - I'll add your post to my day of positivity :) I hope you will join us for the next no complaints day xx

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    1. I will do my best! It's a great idea and definitely reduced the amount of complaining I did that day although it didn't stop it entirely. Thank you for including me

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  3. Appreciation is key. The knowledge that your life is pretty good and the acceptance that things will never be exactly how you want them to be

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    1. So true! Focusing on the good rather than the not so good.

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  4. I think getting out there and being of service to someone else is critical to being more contented with your lot. You'll probably realize that you don't have much to complain about compared to other people, and at the very least you'll feel good having done something for someone that day!

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    1. So true :) Serving others really helps get things into perspective as well as making you feel happier. Thank you.

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  5. I think I need help too! But I definitely agree about trying not to make comparisons, though it's not always easy. #MMWBH

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    1. We all do! :) But comparisons are definitely the thief of joy. Thank you for commenting as well as the belly laughs you've given me this week

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  6. This is lovely and thanks for the tip on that book, it sounds great. I've heard the prayer of serenity before and I think it's really powerful. Thanks for sharing at #BestandWorst xx

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    1. Thank you. It's a great book and, if you end up reading it, I hope you enjoy it. The Serenity prayer is beautiful :)

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  7. What a collection of great tips! Thanks so much for linking up with #MadMidWeek

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    1. Thank you for hosting and have a great week

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  8. I am a firm believer in Gratitude journals! They are so important to being more satisfied and happy in your life! awesome post!

    http://www.katemaeve.com
    Alicia

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  9. Well sounds like you are on the right track and have the right path in front of you. It's always a work in progress for us all. I need to work more on this with myself too. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme

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    1. I hope so, but knowing what to do isn't the same as actually doing it unfortunately. Thank you for hosting each week :)

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