The Contentment Exercise

three small practices that actually work, even on the hard days

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Dear friend,

I am forever chasing a feeling.

The feeling I chase isn’t to feel successful, or important, or powerful. Those are almost humorous to even type in a world where we control far less than we realize and all, eventually, die. How’s that for an intro sentence.

Maybe, years ago, I would have hoped for such feelings — feeling like I had achieved something grand, like I was somehow “important.” I think there was most certainly a time with my work when I thought life would look much different than it does now. Opportunities seemed to present themselves easily, like publishing contracts or show pilots, and as such I figured The Elliott Homestead was on its way to grander and greener pastures. I’m sure I prayed for such.

But I’ve prayed for a lot over the years… and through that act have been given that feeling I’m so keen on finding. I want that feeling to be with me always, regardless of earthly matters like budgets and open-rates and laundry piles.

The feeling I seek is the reason I don’t live in Italy (love it as I do) and the reason I am focusing on loving my current home well. It’s the reason I want to make chocolate chip cookies and am perhaps a bit annoyingly persistence about celebrating the joy of every day with simple pleasures. It’s the reason that I can take on the thousands of small tasks that come with a family, a job, and a place to call home, with peace.

This feeling isn’t a secret that unlocks more money, bigger accolades, a fitter body, or grander work successes.

It’s just the feeling of contentment. And here’s how I got it.