Even with hard work and the best of intentions, life on Earth can be incredibly challenging. While we cannot always control every obstacle that comes our way, we do have the power to create a more peaceful, optimistic perspective. But first we must ask ourselves, what does it mean to live truly well and how do we define real contentment?

It certainly doesn't hurt us to have a strong salary, good looks, admirable talent or popularity and to convince ourselves otherwise is futile. These external elements of success are hardwired into us by a society that values fame, fortune and excellence above all else. The difficulty with these measured goals is that they are worthy in the short run, but simply worthless in the whole scope of our long lives. While they might provide us with moments of pleasure, they are of the flesh and bone, not of the mind and the soul. They are fluid, ever-changing; lasting only as long as that next big paycheck or the fleeting vitality of our youth. The friends that love us one day, may turn away from us down the road. Our talents are only as strong as our competition is weaker. Thus, we can strive forever to best ourselves, only to find we are exhausted after a while and sorely out of balance.

So how do we build a life that sustains us through our various fortunes and provides us with a state of lasting contentment? We must first have the desire and ability to look inward and then the willingness to move beyond a superficial vantage point that no longer serves us well.

The following may help when constructing a roadmap for a more meaningful life:

Try to love and accept yourself for who you truly are, not who you wish you were. There will always be people who are better at something than you are. Live with it.

Be more patient with those around you. This good energy really does come back full-circle and others will be more likely to give you a break in return.

Strive to live more simply and learn to tell the difference between wanting something and truly needing it.

Feel grateful for what you do have in your life, even if it doesn't quite match with what you hope for. Gratitude can provide you with an instant jolt of peace and contentment. Try it.

Show genuine appreciation and happiness for people you care about. When others receive your praise, this too, comes back around and you will be amazed at how good you start feeling about yourself.

Give something of yourself every single day. Perhaps treat a friend to a cup of coffee, call to check on a sick neighbor, bring food to the animal shelter. This helps create cycles of generosity in your life and the lives of others.

Change something about yourself. Even the smallest change opens the door for other possibilities. You may find courage for bigger things, once you step out of your comfort zone.

Find some meaningful elements in your current work, even if you hope for a new direction. This will tide you over and help you feel less frustrated.

Do something creative as often as possible. Don't evaluate its worth, just enjoy. Construct a simple blog, bake cookies, plant flowers, mold a piece of clay.

Lastly, learn to forgive others for past mistakes and let yourself off the hook for your imperfections - being human is hard work for everyone.

Learn more about this author, Linda S. Mills.
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