by Frank Shetland

Created on: February 09, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

It is amazing the sheer number of promises for happiness we are made on a daily basis. From advertisements that subliminally promise happiness through pictures of happy people using their products, to ideologies that should bring us eternal happiness, to other people who promise to make us happy, we are bombarded with quick fixes for contentment.
The truth is, however, that we cannot expect to truly achieve contentment without investing in it. Contentment is not instant gratification; it is not even fed by instant gratification. In fact, most of the building block to true contentment are actually seeds we plant.

The first seed is that of self-respect. This is the hardest of all, but it is the foundation. One cannot build self-respect through self-talk, but rather, one must build it through action. A person with self-respect does not act in ways that he or she feels uncomfortable with. She or he does not go against her or his better judgment in response to peer pressure. A person with self-respect knows he or she is stronger alone than in an abusive relationship. This person is assertive, not aggressive or passive, in conflict situations.
The second seed is that of self-care. Exercise produces chemicals in the brain that give us a feeling of well-being. The more these chemicals are released, the easier the brain finds it to stay in a state of feeling content.
The third seed is that of devotion. It is important to be devoted to a sturdy cause that gives purpose to life. Working in a church, volunteering at a soup kitchen, training for triathlons, caring for children, or working to save the environment are among worthwhile causes.
The fourth seed is thankfulness. Having life is a blessing in itself, and offers the proof of hope and the hope of opportunity. Moreover, health is a beautiful gift. Beyond that, shelter, food, family, friends, and clean drinking water are basic essentials that many do not have. When one has those things, or even most of those things, he has much to be thankful for. In being thankful, the soul realizes how much it has to be content in.
The fifth seed is giving back. When one has contentment, he is very rich in what truly matters. It is his job to return this gift to others so that they may, too, be content.

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