Cultivating Contentment and Gratitude, Wherever You Are

Next week we will celebrate Thanksgiving, where gratitude and thankfulness is at the heart of the holiday.

Let’s be honest – it’s easy to complain, grumble, or think negatively about situations. I’ve caught myself falling into that trap quite often in the last few weeks!

I’ve found that one of the best ways to combat this negativity is learning contentment, no matter your circumstances. A key piece of this effort is cultivating a mindset of gratitude.

In this article, I cover a few ways in which you can foster contentment and gratitude – areas in which I frankly am preaching to myself, especially in recent days.

Reframe your complaints

Dwelling on all the tough, frustrating, or hard things in life is easy. It’s often a knee-jerk reaction to complain when something doesn’t go according to plan and can also create anxiety.

But what if we change the narrative, and reframe the things we might otherwise complain about? It turns whatever that thing is on its head, and into something to be grateful for instead.

Here are some examples from my own life:

• Stressed or frustrated at work? --> I’m thankful I have great coworkers, a paycheck to support my family, and am gainfully employed.
• Dirty dishes and piles of laundry? -->I’m thankful to have food to eat which makes the dishes dirty, and family living in my house who wear those clothes.
• Playroom floor constantly a mess? --> I’m thankful I have healthy, happy kids who love to play and create messes.
• Interesting family dynamics? --> I’m thankful to have family both near and far.
• I have to do (fill in the blank)? --> I’m thankful I get to do (fill in the blank).
• Sickness? --> I’m thankful for modern medicine, doctors, physical therapy, and even my bed where I can rest. While it may be something that can’t fully be healed, I choose to be thankful to be alive another day and make the most of my time.

On the health front, my Dad was a true example of reframing how he viewed his terminal illness of ALS. During the throes of that illness, he said “I'm determined to be content no matter what my circumstances are.” How powerful is that, knowing he would pass away not even a few months later. He lived up to that declaration, as I never heard him once complain.

Also, there have been studies that have proven that anxiety and gratitude cannot co-exist at the same time. What better way to help reduce anxiety than filling your mind with gratitude and thankfulness? It all starts with reframing how you think about the things in your life you might be quick to complain about.

Be purposeful with your time, and slow down

Each of us gets 24 hours in a day, no more, no less. While a good chunk of the day is dedicated to work responsibilities, what about the rest? Am I wasting the day away scrolling on my phone, constantly watching TV, or am I doing things that build both myself and others up?

It’s easy to GO-GO-GO especially in American culture. Slowing down is hard (especially for me – just ask my husband). But, I believe being mindful of the time you have and how you spend it is a worthwhile exercise, and often puts things in perspective. This is a great way to foster contentment.

Perhaps that looks like playing more games with your kids, checking out that new playground together, visiting friends you haven’t seen in a while, scheduling that date with your spouse, spending time walking outside, or fueling your body through exercise and good food. Of course, crashing on the couch watching TV absolutely happens – no shame there!

Being purposeful with your time might mean you say “no” to some things in order that you can say “yes” to other things where deep down you know are a better use of time. You might just find that those changes might be one of the best decisions you’ve made, and breed contentment in how you spend your time.

Lean on Jesus

If you’ve read any of my other articles, you’ll know that my faith in Jesus is the most important part of my life. So, I’d be remiss if I didn’t write about it.

In the book of Philippians, Paul wrote to the church in Philippi while he was in prison. In Philippians 4:12-13 he writes this:

That last part of the verse (I can do all this through Him who give me strength) is what fuels and empowers the ability to be content in all circumstances – my relationship with Jesus. All the other tips we discussed earlier in this article are all well and good, but without that relationship, it makes it that much harder.

Colossians 4:2 says this (also written by Paul while in prison to the church in Colossae):

Notice the active verb: being thankful. It’s not a one-time action, but rather a continuous lifestyle. When I pray and take time to be thankful, it changes my outlook, heart, and mind.

Wrapping Up

As we approach Thanksgiving and the end of the year, let’s use the time to reframe your complaints, be purposeful with your time, and lean on Jesus. Doing so will help promote a mindset of gratitude, thankfulness, and foster contentment.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!