My Quest For Contentment

In January 2026 I picked the word contentment as my word for the year. My whole life I have always been striving for more, more, more. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that's a bad thing. I think it makes me a hard worker and that's a positive. In thinking it over, I guess I have just always have the feeling that something is missing. At the beginning of this year, I became tired of always chasing after more. So my word to live by became contentment.

When I picked that word, the main thing I was thinking of was being happy with my life, including where I'm at in this stage of life, being satisfied with what I have, and in my mind, the word less came to mind. Instead of striving for more, maybe wanting less.

I started off with not shopping as much (work in progress with those darn CVG leggings and every other boho thing I can get my hands on), getting rid of things I no longer needed, generally cleaning out clutter to make my home space more peaceful, taking breaks and not always feeling like I had to be busy, and doing less.

Since the weather has turned nicer, I have been outside as much as possible. A few weeks ago, I traded my Earbuds (man they bothered my ears and I actually dreaded wearing them) for a set of headphones and I love these so much better! From there, I started walking again. Walking is how my love of exercise started a long time ago but within the last 5 years I have let it slide. I don't know why. Maybe it became boring, or I felt like I couldn't cram it into the day.

One small thing, changing out something I didn't like for something that suits me better became the catalyst for 3 mile walks around our pond every morning. I'm taking turns between listening to nature and listening to music, with side trips to see all the animals while I'm there. I get out there first thing after waking up, and it sets the tone for my whole day. I am loving it. I am content.

I have found contentment in other ways too. Trading out some not so healthy foods for even better foods, and as a result, my cholesterol is finally at a good range, the best range of my whole life!! I've stopped wearing as much makeup, and have let my hair go more natural, who knew I had some curl to this head of hair? What have I gained in the process? Time...and contentment in not always striving and pushing for things to be or go a certain way.

In my quest for contentment, so far I have learned that it can be different than you think. It's not always about "less." Instead, it can be a tradeoff in getting rid of some things to create space for other things that are more of what I want at this time.