Friday, February 25, 2011

FOCUS FRIDAY! What is Contentment Parenting?

We live in a society where we are rarely happy with contentment.  We find ourselves in the habit of wanting our senses to always be pleased by sweetness instead of water.  We find ourselves wanting a flat screen 3D, high definition t.v with impeccable audio (and of course 300 channels to choose from!) What happened to our phones being used only as a way to call one another?  What happened to buying a simple coffee for .65 cents? 
Today, we can find a cell phone application that will almost wipe our tush after we use the bathroom!! Have we gone too far over the top? What can we do to keep ourselves and our children grounded?

Perhaps the answer is in the word contentment?  If we truly engage in the simple pleasures in life, than we need the fancy things far less often.  Appreciating the nourishment that water gives us for example, will allow us to appreciate life's simple pleasures instead of being disappointed when we can't have the 'special treats'.  When we choose to find more joy in the extravagant things over the simple things, we start habits of entitlement often leaving to let downs and frustration.
In addition, these habits don't teach our children to be flexible and resilient when life gives them obstacles.

Here are some simple pleasures I am learning to appreciate in my life today...

Water
Pregnancy
Sunshine
Shelter
My husband's employment
Laughter
Music

What simple pleasures have you overlooked today?


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