I spent much of my college life comparing myself to others. I wished I had more clothes, more friends, and more money. I wanted to be more outgoing, prettier, smarter, and thinner. I was trying to change myself to be more like the people who I thought were better than me. We’ve all been there, and it’s hard not to let these sort of thoughts creep into our heads.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I became more content with what I already had in life. Maybe it was part of the growing up process or maybe got tired of wishing I had more. Either way, I started to feel at peace with what I already owned, who I was, and the situations I couldn’t change.
I no longer wanted to waste my mental and physical energy trying to be someone I wasn’t. I was tired of worrying whether people would like me more if I had cuter clothes or a *bigger* personality.
Instead, I tried to be more accepting of myself and others.
I opened my eyes to the things I was taking for granted. I challenged myself to be patient and compassionate, even if I was being judgmental or ungrateful.
When we constantly wish that things were different, we miss out on the little joys right in front of our eyes. I realized that if I was always hoping and wishing for more, I’d be wasting most of my life away.
So how did I become content with what I already have? With awareness, acceptance, and patience. Here’s how you can cultivate these three things in your life to feel more content with what you already have:
How to be content with what is
Cultivate Awareness
In order to be content with what you already have, you need to become aware of what you already have. Most of us are so focused on the future that we rarely stop to appreciate what’s right in front of our eyes. Instead, be willing to open your mind to the good things that are already happening in your life.
One way to create more awareness is to list three things you’re grateful for every day. My favorite way to do this is with The Five-Minute Journal as it prompts you to write what you’re grateful for every single day. If gratitude lists aren’t your thing, you could write a list of things that bring you joy or simply things you care about (people, places, causes, etc). The 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal is a great journaling tool to get you thinking about what brings you joy.
Of course there are moments when you’ll compare yourself to others or wish that you had something more in life. Remember that these moments will pass and you won’t feel this way forever. If anything, mindfulness teaches you that none of your thoughts, feelings or beliefs have to be permanent.
Accept What You Can’t Change
Once you’ve become more aware of what you already have (it takes regular practice), you have to cultivate greater acceptance – of yourself, situations, and others. Acceptance is the willingness to see things as they are in the present, not clouded by judgment and bias.
Think you need to be better at something or feel that you should be more like so-and-so? Ask yourself if these thoughts are coming from a place of self-compassion. If they’re fueled by jealousy or comparison, take a step back and ask yourself what is most important for you right now: accepting yourself as you are or trying to make yourself into someone completely different.
This doesn’t mean that you should passively accept everything as it is. Obviously there is always room for improvement (especially in our world today), but acceptance means not forcing things to be a particular way. Instead, stay open to the idea that there is more than one way to do something (and that means not living your life the same way as everybody else).
Related Post: 3 Simple Tips To Tame Your Inner Control Freak
Practice Patience
Patience is about letting things unfold in their own time. If you allow yourself grace, compassion, and patience, you will see that you already have everything you need to be content with your life. Sometimes we rush into things or make impulsive decisions because we’re afraid of missing out.
Patience will help you make the right decision every time.
Take the pressure off yourself by giving yourself some breathing room. Step away from seeking answers and let them come. Sometimes you have to trust the process and believe that you’ll get where you need to be (even if you don’t know how). Start embracing the moment and be open to wherever it takes you.
Related Post: How To Be Patient As An Impatient Person
Which three things are you grateful for today?
Being content with what you have isn’t exactly easy, but it is possible. If you find yourself wishing life was different, remember that awareness, acceptance, and patience are the keys to living with contentment.
24 Responses
I needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you ❤
I’m glad this could be the reminder you needed, Mary!
I do tend too struggle on a daily basis of thinking that I am missing out and being jealous of what friends and other people are doing.
I don’t know why, because I have many good things in my life, but I never feel satisfied!!!
Your article helps Thanks
I really appreciate this overview of mindfulness and the specific suggestions in your article. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Deirdre!
Thank you Catherine! <3 I'm really working on this and living in the moment.
<3
Catherine, your words are super inspiring!! Today I am grateful for the beautiful weather, my friendships and the journey junkie tribe that led me to your content!!
Yay, Christina! Love that the tribe has brought us together.
Since starting mindfulness, I have really enjoyed reading your content.
Gratefulness:
1. I am grateful for my job. Although I often complain about it, there are worse jobs and it helps me lead a lovely lifestyle.
2. I am grateful for my partner. He is constantly supportive and caring.
3. I am grateful for the flexibility I have in the upcoming months. I look forward to having two months of freedom to take things at my own pace and do this things I want to do.
What are you grateful for today?
Steph x
http://www.wanderlustpulse.com
I love this list, Steph! I am grateful for your comment! xo
Beautiful. I try every day to express gratitude for at least one thing. I am really good at being patient with others, but my area of growth is definitely being more patient (and more kind) to myself. Thank you for always producing awesome content.
Love that you can be patient with others. I struggle with that sometimes! But absolutely, patience and kindness to yourself are so important.
Love the article. Thank you Catherine. Your site is beautiful!
Thanks SO much, Trisha!
Hi Catherine,
I know for sure I need to slow down and practice some patience.
When I do I find much joy in the little things in life.
Gratitude not only gives someone peace in the here and now, but also gives them courage to seek their dreams.
Being grateful enlarge our vision.
Self-acceptance we must practice daily. Because fear have driven so many people away from their true self, most don’t know who they really are on a deeper level.
I really enjoy reading you blog and will visit soon again.
I love what you said about gratitude giving us the courage to seek our dreams! So true, Vernon.
What a wonderful post Catherine ! I’m so happy I found your blog (and bow now I have content to binge on, YAS!)
I think there is so much power in practicing gratitude – it helps put things in perspective and makes you appreciate what you already have. But I like that you mention being content with who we are (and not only with what we have). I get caught up in wanting to be more and do more but then, why? It’s good to push myself and grow but I also need to appreciate the qualities that I do have!
http://www.elleisforlove.com
Yay! So happy that you love the blog, Seppy!
Oh I just love this and I love your Blog. The design is just beautiful.
I have just started a Blog and it is lovely to read articles from like minded people ?
Thank you
Thank you so much, Jo!
Loved this blog reminds me of what Gabrielle Bernstein talks about in her book universe has your back it is worth reading.
I put my trust into the universe knowing it has my back.
Love it, was able to saved some to my notes. I did cite it for other read.
Hi Catherine. This was such a great article. I took notes on what you said. I love the word “self-compassion”. I definitely need to practice having more of that. the fear of missing out has led me to really want to move across country to be closer to extended family, but that wouldnt necessarily be the best thing for my family right now, i have found myself needing to accept where I am and try my best to find contentment and good in my present. I think it has a lot to do with me needing to stop complaining and find a way to have a better attitude. I mean there is good in me being right where i am, i have a job, my children are healthy, and i have a working spouse. thank you for your article, it uplifted me in many ways! God bless. xoxo