Can someone ever be satisfied with their life?

There have been times where I have stopped and felt a sense of contentment with my wife, kids and situation that I would normally not have thought possible. It is really pretty cool.

I think when I stop and think I tend to run it past the options. The starving and destitute of africa or china. The obscenely wealthy. The sick and terminally ill. I think over all I have it pretty darn good.

I think that when you get tired enough, you tend to settle for all the fabulous things that
are right in the room with you, or the yard, or the city block, or the coffee shop, or the
park, or the beach, or the poor little broken down armchair where you’re sitting with your
ancient cat and your old copy of War and Peace. Meanwhile, rush forward, but remember to
breathe.

I think there are two different things rolled up in this question.

First, I think it is definitely possible to be content where one is and highly desirable to work toward achieving contentment. After all, even in you want more, until you get whatever that is, you are where you are. I think we tend as human beings to dwell too much on the disappointing past and to yearn too much for an imagined future, which when we attain whatever our goal is will bring immediate contentment.

I don’t think it really works that way though. To be content, I think it is important to focus on the present and the positive things the present offers. I find it helpful to think about the good things in my life and be thankful for them when I am feeling discontented.

Then, decide which of the things you want in the future is most important and take steps, tiny but discernible steps, toward it. It will never come about by just dreaming of it or wishing for it.

Studies are clear that happiness is not related to wealth.

Peace and contentment are devoutly to be desired even if you are still striving for more. I hope you find them.

I certainly am, I’m not saying my life is perfect, but the imperfections only make the good things better. Out of 3 children, only one has survived, but, although I sometimes think about the “could have beens”, I have chosen to focus on what I have and that is pretty amazing. I’ve dealt with chronic pain, and many other obstacles in my life, but I focus on what I have experienced and the good people rather than the ugly in spirit.

I’ve gone through many “what next?” times in my life, but I plug through them, talk it out with those close to me that will listen and always get through it to the other side. There are some amazing people and things in this world. I have met and seen a lot of them, and hope to see many more. I also have the gift of a good sense of humor and laugh a lot.

I’m satisfied to be alive. Does that count?

Without discontentment in life how can you truly appreciate contentment?
Without sadness how can you feel the depth of joy?

Life is a balance- There are times of peace and tranquility but if we had them all the time we would grow complacent and not grow or appreciate them.

It is through struggle that we can enjoy contentment. Like everything else it is earned.

it would be too boring if everything was just the way i wanted it. It might be fun for a while, but what would be the point of living if you didn’t have goals? I can always be a better person, i can always do more for others, i can always learn, and I can always grow.

I think you can be happy where ever you are and in what you have, but no one can be 100% satisfied.

I agree with ccatron whole-heartedly.

According to Maslow‘s_hierarchy_of_needs (sorry for the funkiness, I’m not sure what’s going on with the link, maybe it’s the apostrophe in there) it is an ongoing process. There are times in your life where you get near the top, will seek another challenge, and may find yourself down towards the bottom again, reestablishing yourself and outside of your comfort zone.

Human beings are a constant work in progress.

I’m totally happy, but there is always room for improvement! Pretty much what ccatron said!

@Bulb: well, there should be a spectacular improvement in about 5 weeks. Brace yourself. G

I think God put me on Earth to accomplish certain things, I’m so far behind that I’ll never die…

@Gail Once again, you’re right! I can’t wait!

I think it is possible to be happy and fairly content but it is all about what your goals are in life. It is okay to stive for bigger & better things if you are content to do so. In which case you are content. :-)

I’m sure someone can be, but not me. I’m a ‘the grass is always greener’ type person and I know I’ve already used this quote at least once on Fluther before, but it is so true:

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

Michelangelo

no

Yes through the shed blood of Jesus Christ

Doin’ just fine…..

I think that we as humans are NEVER satisified. Think about it. If we get to the point of satisfaction, what reason or motivation do we have to strive for more or better things??? I haven’t been content or satisfied very often in my life, but quite frankly I have achieved a lot. It is just that I want to do so much more!

You need to always strive to keep on climbing. Don’t stay stagnant.

I’m happy right now but I keep on going and aim higher each day.

I have moments of peace and contentment, and overall I guess I am pretty satisfied with my life. but I don’t ever want to be completely satisfied. If I do, I would probably stop trying to achieve something better, and I don’t want to ever give up. There is always something greater we can strive for.

Watch the movie P.S. I Love You…

It says a lot about this subject. (It is a chick flick, however, it has all the elements of happiness/sadness and how it relates to life as YOU see or perceive it at the moment you are living it.)

I just watched that movie. You’re right!

Only if you keep your feet on the ground while your head is in the clouds.

You see it is natural for ego to
1. survive ie food water shelter and sex
2.wealth
3.power
4.knowledge
5 and last… A purpose in life…a little something before you die

Apply the 5th to the first 4 and you will hopefully find peace.