The Elusive Sense of Contentment Part 2 of 5 (Thankfulness) | Dr. David Ball, MD Concierge Care
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The Elusive Sense of Contentment Part 2 of 5 (Thankfulness)

journal

We all can relate to the desire for contentment/happiness, but what is it about happiness that we want?  Is there an even bigger question?  What about the desire to feel like we matter and feel like our lives have meaning?  Do we want to be successful in the larger areas of life such as relationships, physical health, spiritual, career, etc…  I believe it all starts with feeling comfortable with who we are and finding our purpose in life.  I believe that purpose is centered around serving others and is found in a process of revelation.

 We must find peace and contentment in our own lives.  It starts with intentional concrete steps that need to be repeated daily until they become subconscious acts, also known as habits.  Those conscious actions slowly change who we become.
We mentioned the first step to Contentment yesterday –
1.  Spend two minutes writing in detail about a positive experience from the day before.
The second habit to develop is –
2.  Write down 3 things that you are grateful for.  Each day you should write 3 new things – Do not repeat from the days before.
Both of these steps foster the development of Gratititude or Thankfulness.
Scripture is full of examples and admonishments to constantly give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always , pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”
John Milton said “The mind is its own place, and in intself can make a Heaven of Hell and a Hell of Heaven”
What we think about ourselves and others is a key factor in experiencing a positive life.
Studies reveal three things about consistently being grateful:
1.  Gratitude acts as an antidote to negative emotions.  Our brains can only focus on one item at a time.  (Multitasking is a lie but that is an entirely different post.)  When we are concentrating on the good circumstances in our life, it is difficult to concentrate on bad circumstances.
2.  Gratitude helps us become more empathetic and forgiving.  The same principle applies as above.  If you are upset with somebody, concentrate on something that you appreciate about that person.  You will find that you better understand their point of view and will have a more forgiving spirit.
3.  Gratitude also helps bolster self-esteem.  Think about some of the most negative people you know.  That same negative attitude they constantly express for the events and people in their life they express inwardly toward themselves.  Think how much more happy they would be if they stopped and appreciated the beauty around themselves.  Build your self-esteem by being grateful.
Journaling intentionally and focusing on the positive things, people, and circumstances from the previous 24 hours of our life trains our brain to notice and focus on positive possiblities for growth.  Done consistently our brain develops the automatic habit of being grateful and looking for the positive.
You want to be successful in life and fulfilled – Be grateful for what God has already given you.
3 more steps to follow.
It’s never too late for a new Beginning!!
Share these steps with a friend or loved one.

 

Here’s to the Journey!

 

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(David W. Ball, MD, an Internal Medicine physician, founder of NuVitality Health – a wellness education company, and co-founder of Life Changing Fitness – where your goal is our mission)

David Ball
drdavid@drdavidball.com
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