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. Unknown24 February 2016 at 11:42

    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. Cuddle Fairy24 February 2016 at 12:21

    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. Unknown26 February 2016 at 13:14

      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. jeremy@thirstydaddy24 February 2016 at 15:26

    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. Unknown26 February 2016 at 13:14

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

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  4. Jenny Evans24 February 2016 at 22:06

    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. Unknown26 February 2016 at 13:15

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

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  5. Unknown25 February 2016 at 00:53

    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. Unknown26 February 2016 at 13:17

      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. Becky at PinksCharming27 February 2016 at 21:04

    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. Unknown28 February 2016 at 16:42

      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. Debs @ Super Busy Mum28 February 2016 at 09:35

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

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    1. Unknown28 February 2016 at 16:42

      Thank you for hosting and have a great week

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  8. Unknown28 February 2016 at 18:32

    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. Let's Talk Mommy1 March 2016 at 21:08

    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. Unknown3 March 2016 at 13:15

      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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