"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have."
By Frederick Koenig
A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend...Mary from "Mary's (megardengal) Meanderings" challenged fellow bloggers to join in with her "30 Days of Contentment Therapy"! Please go and check out Mary's blog and see what she has to say about "contentment"....maybe you will also be challenged to join in with the "30 Days of Contentment Therapy"!!! Here is the link to Mary's blog... http://megardengal.blogspot.com/
What does it mean to be content? To me, being content means to be happy, at peace, and satisfied in whatever I am doing or wherever I am! Contentment is a "state of being"! Being content can also be specific to a thing...such as being content with how my home looks...or content with my choice of dress for the day!
But I have to tell you, at least for me...being content isn't always easy!!! It's kind of funny really, considering that the word content means to be at peace....however, usually I find that it's very challenging to "just be content"! I don't think that being "content" is in our nature...I think it's a grace given to us by God!
"30 Days of Contentment Therapy".....for me!!!
Well my friends....this last week has been most challenging to me....and this word "content" has been ringing loud and clear to me! You see, I have been a smoker....but I quit smoking 10 days ago....and let me tell you, I have had to learn and practice over and over how to be "content" in just being!!! It may be hard for some of you to understand, that is if you've never had a cigarette addiction...just how difficult or challenging that doing every day tasks can be without a cigarette! Soooooo....this lesson of "Contentment Therapy" has really hit home these past ten days!!! Just learning to be content without having a cigarette! It's difficult for me even now...just being on the computer and trying to write...so sad isn't it? But I always sat here with a cigarette before...and it's pretty difficult breaking old habits!!! I'm really having a difficult time thinking clearly!!! But I am determined to be victorious!!!I just love the scripture in the book of Philippians about contentment, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11 ) and it's interesting to note that just a couple scriptures down from the "contentment" scripture is the scripture that says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13) I find that so very interesting because for me...that is the only way that I find true contentment...through Christ who strenghtens me!!! Believe me...I've tried to quit smoking before without success...and the only way that I'm being able to accomplish this now is through Jesus who is strengthening me!!!
Well...thank you my friends...for listening to all of my ramblings today!!! I hope that maybe this post has encouraged you to seek being content in whatever area in your life that you need it!!! Being at peace....being satisfied...and being happy may be one of the greatest gifts!!! I pass it on to you....
Love ya'll,
Chari
Love ya'll,
Chari
OH YAHOO!!! your back girl...I am so happy..really I am doing my Happy dance right now...Oh girl I feel for you quiting smoking I have done it twice..of course I lit up just to read your post...I know don't tease you haha!!
ReplyDeleteYou know I agree about contentment comes in many forms..I find being at home and with my Len is contentment...but Please girl don't tell him I said that...of course I also am content in my Old red robe..its don't take much at my age to bring me contentment and happiness..just waking up today was a great day for me!! I have missed you so much girl and love ya sis..Hugs and smiles Gloria
Great post girl and I am proud of you for quitting smoking...Just take one day at a time...don't look back and be proud of yourself for every hour that passes...I pray that God give you a double dose of contentment and take away any carving...you can do this girl..we are all pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Chari - I'm a smoker too and have quit several times before. I keep saying I want to quit, I'm just not quite ready too yet. I feel your pain - like everyone says - take it one day at a time!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Lynette
Chari be strong! I hope and pray that you are successful. ~Melissa
ReplyDeleteAGAIN CHARI,I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.I ALSO HAD TO QUIT FOR THE SAME REASON AS YOU KNOW.I FOUND IT ASTOUNDINGLY EASY.AFTER ALL THOSE YRS.OF KNOWING I COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT A CIGARETTE.SEEMS KINDA SILLY NOW.IT IS AN ADDICTION,STRONGER THAN HEROIN.YOU DID GOOD GIRL.
ReplyDeleteAS FOR CONTENTMENT.YES,IT IS SO HARD FOR US OLE HUMANS TO BE CONTENT ABOUT ANYTHING.WHOEVER THOUGHT THIS UP WAS PRETTY SMART.THATS ONE AREA I REALLY NEED TO IMPROVE ON....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU...ANN
I am so content that you are trying to quit smoking. Your health will be so much better. God bless you for at least trying to quit. I tried smoking when I was young but didn't get hook on it. I agree about contentment is being at peace and happy. I am so happy Mary asked me to particpate in the 30 days. Blessings, Deanie
ReplyDeleteHi Chari...good for you girl...I quit smoking 13 years ago for good...I say for good because I quit one time for 4 years & started again..dumb! Anyway, everytime the thought of a cigarette popped in my head I'd mentally say, "Congratulations, you're a non-smoker"..and I told a friend of mine about this simple little thing and she used it to quit smoking too...And yes, Jesus helped me all the way through... I am sending you a big hug! ;-) Bo
ReplyDeleteChari, my prayers are definitely with you. Your determination and God's help will get you through this, I'm sure. Good luck. love ya, laurie
ReplyDeleteI quit in 1991 and it was very difficult. One night I even went to the drive thru store in my PJ to get a pack and my husband and daughter are behind me in his car says mom don't do it we love you so do it for us. Well I never went back but it was the most diffucult think I ever tried to do.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing now that I can't stand to smell it on my cloths and I have no smoking in my home. I am very proud of you and you are over the hump now! Way to go and keep saying to your self that you can do this and chew lots of big red gum. I know if I can do it you can.
blossom
Chari- I just got home (it's 10:00 pm.) from an all day hospice training - dog tired.
ReplyDeleteThen I read your blog!! WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE!
I am so proud of you! I think of our relationship with Jesus like a toddler beginning to walk. You might fall down and scrape your knees a few times during this process but Jesus is always there to pick you up, kiss your boo boos and say" You go girl- I am so proud of you and you are precious to ME!"
John the beloved disciple leaned upon the breast of Jesus- You just keep leaning girl!!
Love you! and praying for you!
mary
Dear, dear Chari, with each word I am sending prayers. I am so proud of every day you go without smoking. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give those that love you. (There are many of us!) So glad to see you are feeling well enough to do a new post. Love ya Sis, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYeah, Chari! Girl, I know you are going to do it! I'll say a little prayer every day that God helps you through each day! Wow, what a great thing you are doing for you and all those who love you! :-)
ReplyDeleteSusan
GM Sweet Chari...well its day 11 how are you doing?? Girl I am praying for you..have a great weekend..hugs and smiles Gloria
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend, Yet another reason to admire you.By what you have shared with us you will be blessed with support and strength.We all have vices that we need to work on but this is a major health concern so I am so glad you are commited in body,soul and mind. My prayers are with you."God has not given us a spirit of fear,but a spirit of power and love and self control",May the spirit of power and self control be with you. Love ya, Kathysue
ReplyDeleteChari I am sooo PROUD of you girlfriend!! I used to smoke myself. It was very difficult to quit but I managed it, and so can you! You'll be shocked at just how much better you'll feel! It's been over 10 yrs now, and I won't lie and say I haven't cheated a few times...but I don't NEED them anymore. Thank you GOD!! I'm feeling very contented just reading that you're quitting! *winks* Vanna
ReplyDeleteChari, I'm so glad you're back and hopefully feeling better and better. I know you had a full and busy w/k with the kids. Hope you're not too worn out.. I think of you daily and will say extra prayers for you.. hugs ~lynne~
ReplyDeleteHi Chari, I am so happy to hear that you have quit smoking. Kepp it up, girl! My thunbs are up for you!...Christne
ReplyDeletechari, couldn't be prouder of you!!!! i quit smoking over 10 years ago, and it was the hardest thing i ever did. when i wanted a cigarette, i would imagine this evil looking little monkey on my shoulder (you know, like the ones in wizard of oz) and i'd reach up and flick him off. lol, but it helped. anyway, keep up the good work! i love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteGM Sweet Chari...Hope you are doing better girl!! hows that smoking coming?? are you climbing the walls yet?? hope you have a great day..love ya girl..hugs and smiles Gloria
ReplyDeleteJust a note to let you know you are in my thoughts and heart. Hope this finds you feeling better. Love you Sis, Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh Oh Girl I am so proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI quit not long ago for 8 days the day I started back I really didn't want one but I just felt like I needed that perk up..I admire you and please keep me posted. I really enjoyed the scripture maybe I need to focus on that.Don't take a day at the time just 1 hour at the time is what I did. I actually counted hours instead of days. I am glad your back as well. I am going to follow your blog so I can keep up. I wish you the best continue to read your scripture when your having that weak moment..