I remember a time when I was unhappy with my life and my sister saying, “Will you ever be content?” I was upset and she was not being very sympathetic. At the time I was a bit of a mess and terribly sad. She was being a good big sister and was trying to shake me out of my pity party by reminding me of all my blessings. But in my mind, contentment could only be achieved if I were part of a couple, proof to the world that I was worthy of love. At the time, the concept of self-love had not entered my concrete-hard head.

My life experience went from living with parents to marrying at a very young age and raising a family. Being alone without someone to love me had never been an option. Watching the Hallmark channel showed time and again how ridiculously easy it was to find love and happiness. But my road was a bit bumpier. Apparently my reality was not airing on the Hallmark channel.

Over the years, I have learned contentment requires the wisdom to appreciate and accept what God has given you. Happiness goes hand in hand with contentment and contentment can be found in many places, especially in caring friends. Having the kind of friends you can call in the middle of the night creates a sense of security, trust and sense of freedom.

Contentment can be the result of a call from a grandchild, or a lessening pain so you can play pickleball. Contentment can be found sitting in a room with friends yelling, “Bunco!” And contentment can be found serving your neighbors at “Special Meals” happily returning their smiles. Contentment comes in stages,  but when it encompasses you, there is no doubt your life has truly been blessed. The road to contentment may take years to travel but when your heart is finally filled with peace, love, and joy, you have arrived!