The Power of Contentment

Why Enough is Truly Enough if You Want To Find Happiness

Retired and "living her best life," Leslie Anne spent her career as a computer systems analyst for the government. Her job may not sound like the epitome of excitement, but it came with unbeatable perks—she had career stability, room for growth, and the work-life balance most people dream of. She also shattered glass ceilings, navigating a male-dominated field with grace and pride while jetting off to international conferences. But today, Leslie Anne’s world has changed; she now finds joy in her garden, her close-knit circle of friends, and the occasional cruise.

In her cozy home surrounded by blooming flowers, life feels more abundant than ever. Tending to her plants isn’t about perfection, but about finding peace in nurturing life. When I asked her if she missed the rush of her old life, she smiled and said, “Why would I need more when I have everything I love right here? A place for friends, a garden to care for, and a lot of inner peace.” After a divorce, Leslie Anne downsized and simplified, realizing she had accumulated far more than necessary without ever pausing to ask herself why. Now, it’s the gentle routines—watering plants, catching up with friends, and cultivating a little piece of nature—that bring her the most contentment.

A Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has tracked participants over 80 years, reveals that happiness is less about wealth or career success and more about the quality of relationships. According to research published in Psychology Today, we all have a genetic "set point" for happiness, which can make it difficult to sustain happiness long-term even after positive events. While life circumstances and choices can temporarily shift our happiness levels, many people don’t realize that their day-to-day activities and relationships are far more impactful than wealth or external achievements. And then there’s Robert Waldinger's TED Talk, where his team’s research found that relationships—not financial success—are what sustain happiness throughout life. This shows how many people misunderstand the true sources of lasting joy.

Leslie Anne’s shift from a life of accumulation to one of simplicity reminded me that real abundance is in the little moments we nurture, not in the things we accumulate. Perhaps, before diving headlong into the next great “success-chasing version of ourselves,” we should take the time to take into account what we have. It’s important to understand that happiness doesn’t come from acquiring more but from an ability to appreciate what’s already present. And here are five practices to help us rein in that need for more and ground ourselves in contentment.

Practice 1: Stay Present in Each Moment

Focusing on the present helps reduce worry about the future and regret about the past, which are common sources of stress. By being fully engaged in the current moment, you’re able to appreciate the small joys and positives that exist right now. This approach helps you become more grounded, improving emotional balance and clarity.
Dedicate 5-10 minutes a day to simply observing your surroundings—whether it's during your morning coffee or a quick break from work. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, allowing your mind to take a breather. Doing this regularly can help shift your focus to what’s in front of you rather than what’s out of reach.

Practice 2: Celebrate Your Small Successes

Science tells us that celebrating even the smallest victories boosts happiness and fosters a sense of achievement. When you acknowledge the little things that go right, you feel more accomplished and content with your progress, reducing the pressure to constantly seek more.
At the end of each week, look back and identify three things you did well. Whether it’s finishing a project or simply getting through a tough day, reflecting on these small wins helps reinforce a positive mindset. Start rewarding yourself, even with small treats, for accomplishing your goals.

Practice 3: Radically Accept All Emotions

According to research from the Journal of Happiness Studies, contentment doesn’t mean ignoring negative emotions; it’s about accepting them without letting them overwhelm you. This practice builds resilience and makes it easier to experience joy and satisfaction, even during tough times.
When difficult emotions arise, acknowledge them without judgment. Tell yourself, “It’s okay to feel this way,” and allow the emotions to pass. This approach can reduce emotional reactivity and create more space for contentment in your life. I started monitoring my daily feelings with the free and award-winning “How We Feel” app, from a non-profit created in 2020. It creates a journal of your well-being, and it is wonderful for bringing the complex world of our emotions into perspective.

Practice 4: Reduce Material Attachment

Excessive attachment to material things can lead to dissatisfaction. Constantly seeking external validation through possessions often leaves people feeling unfulfilled. Embracing minimalism allows us to focus on what truly matters in our lives, reducing distractions and enhancing our sense of inner completeness. Studies have shown that people who practice minimalism report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of anxiety, as they prioritize meaningful experiences over material goods.
Challenge yourself to limit unnecessary purchases for a month. Instead, prioritize experiences or relationships that foster connection and joy. This practice can break the cycle of material craving and help you find joy in simpler things, allowing you to appreciate what you have and focus on personal growth. Additionally, consider decluttering your living space; research shows that a tidy environment can lead to clearer thinking and greater productivity.

Practice 5: Focus on Relationships Over Possessions

Strong relationships are consistently linked to higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Investing time in nurturing friendships and family bonds can provide the emotional support that possessions simply cannot offer. Studies show that the quality of social connections plays a bigger role in happiness than financial success.
Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with loved ones each week. Whether it’s a phone call, a dinner, or a simple text message, these small interactions can deepen connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Finding contentment in our lives is a powerful choice that can shift our entire perspective. When we embrace minimalism, we create room for the things that truly matter—relationships, experiences, and self-discovery. By letting go of the clutter, both materially and emotionally, we illuminate the path to a fulfilling future that is guided by our passions rather than societal expectations.

Now is the time to prioritize contentment and simplicity. Each small step we take towards appreciating what we have cultivates a deeper understanding of ourselves and our desires. This clarity not only inspires us to pursue our dreams but also opens doors to opportunities that resonate with our authentic selves, ensuring a journey filled with joy and purpose. As with so many things, the answers lie not outside us but from within.

🌈 Thank you for taking the time to join us on this journey of exploration and discovery. We hope our insights have ignited a spark within you, encouraging you to embrace contentment and the beauty of small victories. Remember, every step you take toward appreciating what you have can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life, and we’re thrilled to be part of your path.

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