I remember as a child I felt this pressure to make it a priority to try to get to every opportunity there was. As an adult I was encouraged to take advantage of everything I could squeeze into my schedule or afford.
It makes sense, we want to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us and not waste them or undervalue what we are presented with. But taken to an extreme it can also have a detrimental effect.
At some point in my twenties, I realized that there would always be more things to see, more things to do, more things to learn, than I could ever possibly get to in my entire lifetime. Part of the reason we are not gifted in everything in life is so that we can know what things are meant for us. We have to be able to say no to some things in order to truly say yes to other things. If we say yes to everything…
I determined that I just had to trust that whatever I was supposed to see, or do, or know, I wouldn’t be able to get away from. If it was meant for me, and I missed it, it would come back around for me. This allowed me to practice contentment with what I was able to do each day, and still take care of myself, knowing that it was enough.
The beauty of contentment is knowing that I am enough and that each day is enough. This allows me to find happiness in the moment and to continue to pursue what brings me joy and delight.
On this trip, I have specific places and people I’ve wanted to see for some time and I am making it a priority to see them. But as I’ve announced my trip and plans I have had non-stop guidance from friends on all the things I MUST see and do along my way. I truly appreciate all the guidance and love, but I also realize that they may not understand that I am already content with the fact that even just on this trip there will be so many more things then I could could possibly get to in the time and space that I have. I trust that what I do see will be just exactly what I need to see.
I choose to find joy and delight in every day, in each new opportunity, in each beautiful sight I see, and each lovely person I get to interact with.
Much love and hugs!
Rise, and Rise Again 
“I trust that what I do see will be just exactly what I need to see.” ❤
I’ve been learning to trust that too. One of the mantras from the January yoga challenge this year was “Everything is as it should be.” (Of course that doesn’t mean that all’s right with the world. Because obviously, such is NOT the case.) I’ve found myself repeating that when I start to feel anxious because a situation is getting stressful.
It is such a departure from the thought patterns that we were taught. “I should have foreseen this totally random event occurring in the future and planned for it. If anything goes wrong it’s because I didn’t plan, prepare, pray, etc., enough – or should have made other plans entirely. Which is the absolute most best option?!” And you’re totally right, we were taught to pack in as much as possible. I feel anxious just thinking about it.
I’m learning, when I feel stressed because of factors beyond my control, to take a pause, take a breath, and accept what is rather than fighting it or trying to run from it. I have found a lot of relief and even comfort by doing so. *I am exactly where I need to be this very moment.*
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Haha, yes to the guilt and shame around not being able to prevent any mistakes or detours at all times. Oh man, so much pressure! I love that, “I am exactly where I need to be this very moment.”
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“I trust that what I do see will be just exactly what I need to see.” ❤
I’ve been learning to trust that too. One of the mantras from the January yoga challenge this year was “Everything is as it should be.” (Of course that doesn’t mean that all’s right with the world. Because obviously, such is NOT the case.) I’ve found myself repeating that when I start to feel anxious because a situation is getting stressful.
It is such a departure from the thought patterns that we were taught. “I should have foreseen this totally random event occurring in the future and planned for it. If anything goes wrong it’s because I didn’t plan, prepare, pray, etc., enough – or should have made other plans entirely. Which is the absolute most best option?!” And you’re totally right, we were taught to pack in as much as possible. I feel anxious just thinking about it.
I’m learning, when I feel stressed because of factors beyond my control, to take a pause, take a breath, and accept what is rather than fighting it or trying to run from it. I have found a lot of relief and even comfort by doing so. *I am exactly where I need to be this very moment.*
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Kylar,
This is such a great post! Contentment is so important in finding happiness. Contentment doesn’t mean we want to stay in our current situation or that we love everything that happens to us (good or bad) but there is such great growth in learning to take everything at face value and move forward.
I’m proud of you for finding contentment at such a young age. It is a difficult lesson and step to take. Best wishes and many blessings on your journey!
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