Satisfaction in life

[Jenster]

I've had time to think this week, since I was off work, and the question of being satisfied with life kept popping to mind. As an online community, a number of us seem to be wrestling with this issue. I confess to being one of them.

For me, it's not a question of "I'm single and therefore discontent." Rather, being an older single, I feel more like, "Been there, done that." Much of the newness of life -- which used to provide enough satisfaction -- has worn off. I've been cruising along DOING life, without really thinking about how to make the most of it, if that makes any sense. I've been going through the motions, with decreasing results.

I think I need to start plowing more of myself into each activity that I do, considering "What good can I try to bring out of this?" or "For what purpose am I here doing this?" or "What would make this satisfying to me?"

I am not suggesting being conformed to this world, but rather, using one's mind and will to take care of oneself.

Does anyone else relate to this or have thoughts about satisfaction in life?

 

[~HopeFloats~]

I've been cruising along DOING life, without really thinking about how to make the most of it, if that makes any sense

That is me.

Then when I feel like I have a not so great life, I think of all I have that others do not and being single does not seem like such a big deal.

however crusing along does make for a lonely life-- or so is my experience.

 

[nb37]

Satisfaction in one's life. Hmmmm I do feel that the older I get the less goals I have. Expectations are getting less. I don't know if that is a good thing or not.

 

[Jenster]

Then when I feel like I have a not so great life, I think of all I have that others do not and being single does not seem like such a big deal.

True for me too, Silver_Lining!

Satisfaction in one's life. Hmmmm I do feel that the older I get the less goals I have. Expectations are getting less. I don't know if that is a good thing or not.

I don't know either, nb! I agree that some things don't seem as urgent anymore, and projects I might've tackled in my 20s feel like too much work. On the one hand, it lets me off the hook. On the other hand, I no longer have that satisfaction of pouring my energy into something and seeing the results.

 

[christcentered]

I'm generally a very happy and optimistic person. On a day-to-day basis I'm happy with life and really do get a lot of satisfaction from the simple things. Simple pleasures. That's what makes me tick.

There are three things I feel a sense of urgency over though.....that familiar nudging that comes from within (thank you Lord). First, having a desire for a new church home. Second, being involved with organized youth ministry again. And third, getting the small business I've been blessed with rolling.

 

[Jenster]

On a day-to-day basis I'm happy with life and really do get a lot of satisfaction from the simple things. Simple pleasures. That's what makes me tick.

Maybe that is one of the keys to life, christcentered!

 

[christcentered]

Maybe that is one of the keys to life, christcentered!

There's just so much to enjoy about pulling a fish up on the sand then cooking it for dinner.

That rewarding shower after a long day at work.

The tired body feeling after you've been to the gym.

Being at the beach and just having Him talk to you.

Experiencing so many joys with your children.

Being able to give of yourself.

Enjoying a meal.

Having a laugh.

 

[nb37]

There's just so much to enjoy about pulling a fish up on the sand then cooking it for dinner.

That rewarding shower after a long day at work.

The tired body feeling after you've been to the gym.

Being at the beach and just having Him talk to you.

Experiencing so many joys with your children.

Being able to give of yourself.

Enjoying a meal.

Having a laugh.

Alright Christcentered, You are really waxing poetic and it sounds great, warm and satisfying.

 

[christcentered]

Alright Christcentered, You are really waxing poetic and it sounds great, warm and satisfying.

LOL.....it's true though. I really don't have to be doing ______ (fill in the blank) momentous, goal driven or even "staying busy" activity to feel satisfaction.

I'll bet we could start a pretty great list of simple things that make us feel happy and satisfied to kinda stick with the theme of Jenster's thread. C'mon.......I'm sure there's a few & I'd love to hear..........

 

[faithopelove]

I've kind of bounced around the different auxilliaries available at my church (jack of all trades....master of none). Lately I've been a greeter/intercessor and I love it! Especially making visitors and new members feel welcome and praying for the people as they come through the door. If you knew how introverted I can be you'd know this is really a stretch for me and I really feel as though God is using this time to really allow me to see part of my purpose. I mean I've been a p&w leader and a teacher and it was like I was playing a role. But this is like I really have to be me, giving of myself so others can relax and recieve from God. We have a medium sized church so I'll still fill in where I'm needed but I love this exhorter thing

 

[Jenster]

*Taking christcentered's lead...*

Things that satisfy...

Eating hot home-made soup on a cold night

Walking out into a glorious, sun-filled day after a few hours in the office

Handling _____ (whatever!) and realizing that it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be.

Retrieving toasty clothes out of the dryer

Driving around in a car (having a car to drive around in!)

Receiving an email from a friend, who is just checking in on me

Stocking up the pantry after it's been bare for awhile!

 

[christcentered]

I really like your list, Jenster! Awesome.

A few more leaping to mind for me....

The smell of ocean air

Finishing a book

Cold wind on your face

Seeing the light bulb turn on in a child's mind

 

[nb37]

Ah the ocean, how I love the ocean, just looking at all of that expansiveness makes me truly praise God for His Awesomeness. I always think who is on the other side of this water and are they thinking the same thing!

 

[EmbracingHim]

I'm hearing you OP,

My satisfaction is really holding an eternal perspective rather than in my day to day life though.

Although...I am soooo greatful for God's active force that is alive and well in my day to day (and still experiencing His blessings, comfort and joy).

In this regard (daily experiencing God's blessings)...I am still like a child waiting for the next day and wondering what the Lord has in store for me.

I think as we grow older...we need to hold on to this. We have so much more to learn and experience in the time remaining...my fears is not having 'enough' time for everything...

But I do hear you in regards to some of the excitement of things felt in the past growing dimmer. I used to dress up excessively...now it's 30 minutes and I'm out the door. My priorities changed...my excitement changed...my desires and hopes as well.

For the most part when we mature -- it is for the better...(on average...becoming less self-centered, etc.). So it's a good thing.

Sorry if I rambled a bit and prayers of comfort and motivation and joy for you.

Adding to your list Jenstar (I hadn't read the second page--only your first post. )...

Knowing and feelings God's presence in our hearts and life. I couldn't imagine the despair I'd experience without this.

 

[Jenster]

My satisfaction is really holding an eternal perspective rather than in my day to day life though.

Although...I am soooo greatful for God's active force that is alive and well in my day to day (and still experiencing His blessings, comfort and joy).

In this regard (daily experiencing God's blessings)...I am still like a child waiting for the next day and wondering what the Lord has in store for me.

I think as we grow older...we need to hold on to this.

Amen! What a lovely image, EmbracingHim. Thanks too for the prayers...

 

[christcentered]

I'm hearing you OP,

My satisfaction is really holding an eternal perspective rather than in my day to day life though.

Although...I am soooo greatful for God's active force that is alive and well in my day to day (and still experiencing His blessings, comfort and joy).

In this regard (daily experiencing God's blessings)...I am still like a child waiting for the next day and wondering what the Lord has in store for me.

I think as we grow older...we need to hold on to this. We have so much more to learn and experience in the time remaining...my fears is not having 'enough' time for everything...

But I do hear you in regards to some of the excitement of things felt in the past growing dimmer. I used to dress up excessively...now it's 30 minutes and I'm out the door. My priorities changed...my excitement changed...my desires and hopes as well.

For the most part when we mature -- it is for the better...(on average...becoming less self-centered, etc.). So it's a good thing.

Sorry if I rambled a bit and prayers of comfort and motivation and joy for you.

Adding to your list Jenstar (I hadn't read the second page--only your first post. )...

Knowing and feelings God's presence in our hearts and life. I couldn't imagine the despair I'd experience without this.

Great post.

 

[renewhope]

...

 

[christcentered]

Have you ever considered going into some kind of ministry? Just a thought. I'll tell you what I was amazed how rewarding it was to be involved at the schools and in youth ministry at church. Wow. Maybe get up with a church or two and see if they have elderly members who can't make it anymore because of failing health. Maybe they (or you) could tape record the services & drop copies off? Just some thoughts.