CONTENTMENT AND HAPPINESS

Contentment and happiness are two similar entities with different connotations. Contentment is easier to attain than happiness. Happiness is an elusive commodity that is rarely found and scarcely experienced by human beings. Happiness is a mysterious thing found between too little and too much. It is almost impossible to pursue it as it does not settle permanently at one place. Like a butterfly, happiness flitters briefly from one place to another with no definite dwelling to speak of. Hence we have to savour those fleeting moments of happiness that we get, for they may not come our way very often.

Contentment is achieved by following our instincts rather than intelligence which results in a modicum of happiness. We all live our lives to fulfil our ambitions and desire to find our own way to contentment which in the end is the only reward worth having. Contentment is brought in life by doing things that give us joy and a degree of satisfaction. The true essence of contentment is being grateful for what we have, knowing that at this moment, all we have is, what we need.

For all its hardships and complications, life is so simple that we can live it without complicating it with serious matters. When we don’t search for happiness, we receive contentment in large measure. To live a satisfied life, we need to be content with whatever is ordained or achieved in our lifetime. We all get what we are destined to; not more or less than that is allotted to us.

Life as such does not promise us anything. It is man himself who promises rewards and awards while going through the journey of life. Living life with good values and correct behaviour is itself a reward. Life is there to be appreciated and understood. Then alone we have loved and lived our life without taking it for granted. Being content is being happy.