“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.”
― Socrates
― Socrates
I may have used this quote before.
but that's okay.
It rings true.
: : :
I sometimes look back at where I've been.
I'm disappointed to say
I believed I could create comfort in the material
An unhappy, unhealthy appetite that can never be satisfied.
I've learned from past mistakes
and am still discovering that
finding and keeping contentment
need not and should not
concern
anything which can be bought, sold --
consumed
or thrown away.
: : :
It proves difficult to maintain
a simple attitude of greatfulness
in a world
that often identifies happiness
with possessions --
Material wealth comes and goes.
Inner peace and a quiet life
are always with us
if we know where to look.
: : :
Where do you find contentment?
What do you consider your natural wealth?
Sharing with Sunday Snapshot, The Simple Things
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we often think that having more will make us happy. for me, one is content if one can find happiness in simple pleasures.
ReplyDeletealso: consider who you are and be satisfied with that. consider what you have and be satisfied with that..
have a great sunday!
xx
Great post and photo, Nancy! Hubby and I believe in the simple life. We do not need a lot of material things to makes us happy. Wishing you a happy day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteMy wealth is my family, my creativity and my sense of humour - and I feel content wherever I have my family and my animals around me. :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you hadn't been 'there' you may not have appreciated the contentment you now enjoy 'here'...yes, the world makes it difficult but with an 'attitude of gratitude' one can find contentment wherever they are...and that contentment and my family are my natural wealth...
ReplyDeleteLovely post and perfect picture, Nancy. Absolutely love the quote!!
My wealth is my happiness - there is a Jewish proverb that says "who is rich? one who is happy with himself" - I learned it in 3rd grade (with a cute song) and still hold it in my heart today!
ReplyDeleteSuch truth in your words . . . you said it all very well . . .
ReplyDeleteContentment and wealth for me is found in . . .
Quiet
Home
Sight
Connections
Stories
Past
Today
Laughter . . .
Wonderfully said Nancy!! Lately this focus of "gratitude for what I have" seems to be cropping up more and more.
ReplyDeleteTaking the time to enjoy and savour a special moment, I find I remember those moments more than any others, when I truly pause and put everything else on hold.
ReplyDeletesuch a serene pic! i got an e-mail but don´t really know how to act with. ??
ReplyDeleteGood Sunday, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteGood post!
Contentment, I would say writing made me content,
Would - as soon as my fingers work. :D
something we are trying to teach our children in this age of "i want it"
ReplyDeleteAll so true
ReplyDeleteSo true nancy !!! Have a wonderful Sunday
ReplyDeleteI have found that I am blessed in so many ways, I would be hard pressed to write them all down.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that I am loved is huge.
Very true words, Nancy! Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeletei have always drawn contentment from this place. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteAll that you have written here rings true. I liked the photo so much to see in this single shot, Socrates quote brilliant says it all. What a true, sad reflection on the human race.
ReplyDeletethoughtful words, Nancy. I find my greatest contentment with my camera by my side, roaming the countryside, finding art in the simple things.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words Nancy. I find contentment in knowing my kids are healthy and happy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good quote
ReplyDeleteI find it inside
In my head
In my heart
It's not easy but it is the only place
lots of love dear Nancy : )
Lovely ruralscape.. is that your place?? Your words ring true... I'm re-reading a new edition of 'Your Money or Your Life.' Contentment can never be found unless a person knows when to say enough...
ReplyDeletemy contentment is at home on the weekends surrounded by everyone i love and doing exactly what I want to do. monday - friday is just there - a necessary thing to pay bills, give shelter and put food on the table.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Nancy. :) It took me years to learn to have gratitude for my life and to be content. I always wanted something else. But then at around 40, i finally grew up. Lol. Now i'm genuinely happy with my husband and our four kitties! And i love the natural world.
ReplyDeleteLovely picture and post. :) I had a finance teacher in college say, "You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need can't satisfy you." I think that applies here; if I'm ever feeling like I need more of something, I question whether I really need it at all, and try to learn to be content!
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the more content I am with being at home. Cooking, taking walks, and reading books. Just hanging out with the kids, while they still want to hang out with their mom :)
ReplyDeleteMaterial wealth is nice but ever makes us happy for long. Friends and family make me happy. Friends like you. :) B
ReplyDeleteA good post to ponder, Nancy. After the most basic needs are met, I'm happiest in spending time with family and a few close friends. I don't mind solitude, either. The quiet and beauty of Nature is an abundance available to all who can appreciate it. I'm at the age when less is more.
ReplyDeleteI was the same way, putting value on material things, and even though it was often for sentimental reasons, I'm learning that even that kind of 'stuff' just builds up and the true value is in the memories they evoke. Now I find contentment being surrounded by nature or friends and family. Having both is heaven!
ReplyDeleteNow that I live in the country, all of the distractions melt away until you are left with only two things: your natural surroundings and the people you share them with.
ReplyDeleteThat is where I find nourishment.
www.GirlwithaNewLife2.com
That Socrates was a pretty smart fella! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually find contentment in baking and cooking delicious, beautiful food for family and friends.
I savour every new Day and take in all that is around me.. Birds singing and when they arrive every year to nest here in my wild garden.
ReplyDeleteAway from the Towns you can take time to enjoy the Beautiful Nature that surround you.
This gives me happiness .