Self-Reflection: Contentment

I was once given a piece of advice by my father that I should always look at those who have been given less than me, and see how I can help them, rather than looking up and wishing I had more.

It’s the best piece of advice I have ever received because this way I can actually appreciate all the things I have. Also, when I say all the things I don’t have, I am not talking about basic human necessities and I’m thankful to God for having the privilege to be able to say this.

To take clean drinking water, food on your table and a roof over your head for granted is something we usually do but do you know there’s a massive number of people who don’t have access to any of this. So, take a moment and be thankful for what you have rather than thinking about what you don’t, it makes everything better.

Next thing, there is a difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ and we often end up thinking we need something but in actual, we just want it like when you have ice cream and put sprinkles and a cherry on top. Do we need that? No, the ice cream is fine without it as well but we want to have the extra things to feel good. I’m not saying it’s bad to want something but excess of everything is bad and makes you lose perspective of the important things.

Being content is not always in terms of wealth or material, it is also in other things like skills and knowledge. Now, we need to work hard and acquire these things but sometimes we try to rush it and get frustrated. It’s because we are often comparing ourselves to others who we admire and are inspired by. While being inspired by others is good, comparing yourself to them is not. You see their work but not the whole process and even if you do see the process, it does not mean it’s going to be the same for you. So, work at your own pace and compare yourself to yourself like a year ago or two years ago rather than with others. This approach can actually save us from feeling negative and help in having a healthy mental health.