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Post by kimpossible on Aug 18, 2014 15:02:39 GMT
I was talking to a relative on the phone over the weekend and catching up. I had asked her if she was happy being retired and she said that she was "content".
She doesn't have a lot of money, she is retired, her kids are grown and out of the house with grandbabies, she volunteers 4 days a week.
I took that as a yes? But what would make you have a content life and would that be enough?
Good health, friends and family around...but what else would make you content?
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 18, 2014 15:06:12 GMT
That was an interesting way to answer your question. If someone asked if I was happy, I would say yes. I really am happy. If I wasn't happy, I would say that I'm under stress, or sad about something. I don't think I would say "content" if I was unhappy.
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Post by kimpossible on Aug 18, 2014 15:14:44 GMT
I know, I think I took her response as there isnt much more that would make me happier than where I am now.
Towards the end of my Mom's life I remember her saying often that she was happy just being home - she loved her home and she was happy there.
Perhaps there comes a time when you don't need more, you do get content.
I don't think I'm there yet by any means, just wondering what others have found - if they are content.
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sharlag
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I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
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Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Aug 18, 2014 15:18:53 GMT
I know, I think I took her response as there isn't much more that would make me happier than where I am now. "Content" to me sort of implies that nothing needs to be changed. I'm certainly not there. But I am happy. |
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Aug 18, 2014 15:19:24 GMT
Nope, not me - I really hope one day that will change though
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Deleted
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Oct 9, 2024 18:19:11 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 15:20:12 GMT
I know, I think I took her response as there isn't much more that would make me happier than where I am now. "Content" to me sort of implies that nothing needs to be changed. I'm certainly not there. But I am happy. This is where I'm at. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Aug 18, 2014 15:22:17 GMT
By definition, content is "in a state of peaceful happiness."
Am I content? No. But that doesn't mean that I am not happy ever. It just means that I could improve upon my happiness.
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msliz
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The Procrastinator
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Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Aug 18, 2014 15:23:37 GMT
I have dozens of happy moments in any given day, but overall, I might rather describe myself as content. I put happy and sad at extremes. I'm usually somewhere in the middle, more toward the happy end of the range. This --->  rather than this --->    Honestly, if I was happy all the time, my family would insist I get evaluated! |
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Post by kimpossible on Aug 18, 2014 15:23:51 GMT
By definition, content is "in a state of peaceful happiness." Am I content? No. But that doesn't mean that I am not happy ever. It just means that I could improve upon my happiness. That definition makes sense to the conversation I had with her. |
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Post by gonewalkabout on Aug 18, 2014 15:23:54 GMT
I think there does come a point where you are just happy with what you have and where you are at that point in time.
Materialistic concerns become greatly reduced, as long as you are comfortable with your needs being met and perhaps the few true things you have ever wanted around, a roof over your head, friends/family near by, you become content.
I know my parents found that when they retired a few years ago. My dad was involved in community radio, mum was happy being involved in some areas of the radio, dad had developed a sudden interest in roses lol! I'd say they content.
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scrappinmama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 18, 2014 15:27:07 GMT
I have dozens of happy moments in any given day, but overall, I might rather describe myself as content. I put happy and sad at extremes. I'm usually somewhere in the middle, more toward the happy end of the range. This ---> rather than this ---> Honestly, if I was happy all the time, my family would insist I get evaluated! That's a great way to put it. |
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Post by lisa on Aug 18, 2014 15:35:44 GMT
I am content. Sure there are many things i would like to change, I wish my child was healthy, maybe my house larger, but these things will not be changing. I guess I am at peace with what my life is about and my perspective on what really is important is clear to me. so I guess in that way I am content.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Aug 18, 2014 15:55:19 GMT
I know, I think I took her response as there isn't much more that would make me happier than where I am now. "Content" to me sort of implies that nothing needs to be changed. I'm certainly not there. But I am happy. I agree with this. I am not yet at the point where things don't need some changes. I am in school and hoping for a better job in the future. So I would say, I'm not content with my life. But I am happy. I am moving in a positive direction. |
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Post by femalebusiness on Aug 18, 2014 16:01:23 GMT
There is something to be said for feeling content. However, I prefer the state of being extremely happy.
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Post by lindah on Aug 18, 2014 16:19:19 GMT
Overall, I am happy. I am not as content as I would like to be as I wish I lived in a different place. I love my dh, we have been married 46 yrs, & my family. Sometimes I feel an urge to change some big things in my life.
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Post by 1lear on Aug 18, 2014 16:26:59 GMT
I'm happy-not sure if I'd consider myself content, though.
Sometimes, I feel like I'm just coasting along. My day-to-day routine is pretty much the same-work, home, bed, repeat. I need to get out of my comfort zone more often-shake things up a little.
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back to *pea*ality
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Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
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Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
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Post by back to *pea*ality on Aug 18, 2014 16:28:49 GMT
I think it is easier to be content with sprinkles of happiness. Being happy all the time seems like a lot of work to me sometimes when I read facebook, some work very hard at being happy all.the.time  |
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Post by ilikepink on Aug 18, 2014 16:33:34 GMT
Guess I am happy, working toward content? After relocating and starting life over, I'm finally in a good place - happy. Next step is to buy a place instead of renting. When the aggravation and decision-making part of that (and the move) is all over, there will be contentment, I'm sure.
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Deleted
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Oct 9, 2024 18:19:11 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 16:35:18 GMT
Content no, as someone stated that would be happy with no change.
I want to see education reform, judicial changes, healthcare reform, my husband to be appericated do what he does, my kids to feel safe at school, to be afford college, my girls to be able to find a job and the list goes on and on.
To be content woul mean to not fight for change, and to us that is not an option. We speak up, we rally and we confront.
Now if you ask if we are happy yes, we have a home, jobs, food, family, friends and are able to volunteer and rally. I love my life and I love that my family supports me in everything I do. It's a wonderful feeling to have those you love standing with you.
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Post by disneypal on Aug 18, 2014 16:39:22 GMT
Yes, I would consider myself content. I have a nice home (older and small but perfect for me), an older but reliable car, a good job, very little debt, an adequate savings, a great family and friends I can depend upon. I have a pretty good life.
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brandy327
Drama Llama
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Post by brandy327 on Aug 18, 2014 16:41:29 GMT
I know, I think I took her response as there isn't much more that would make me happier than where I am now. "Content" to me sort of implies that nothing needs to be changed. I'm certainly not there. But I am happy.  |
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Post by papersilly on Aug 18, 2014 17:07:14 GMT
I am. I am content with what I have and I am content with what I don't have. Things can always be better but then I know things can always be worse therefore I am content with what I have. I find peace and happiness with it. It's better than finding fault and discord with it. It's all in how you perceive your life.
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Post by nesser01 on Aug 18, 2014 17:12:36 GMT
I am not content. I will say though I am finally started to be myself, be confident in my choices. I am on the road to happiness. I will then work on being content.
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Post by gar on Aug 18, 2014 17:45:08 GMT
For me, content seems to imply a degree of being resigned to what 'is', accepting that things won't get better so no, I'm not at that point. I am still trying to improve me, my marriage, my home etc, still working on lots of things becoming better. That doesn't mean I don't have blissful moments though |
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mochi
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Jun 26, 2014 1:45:16 GMT
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Post by mochi on Aug 18, 2014 18:11:01 GMT
I am. I am content with what I have and I am content with I don't have what I don't have. Things can always be better but then I know things can always be worse therefore I am content with what I have. I find peace and happiness with it. It's better than finding fault and discord with it. It's all in how you perceive your life. Exactly this! I live in an older home that always needs something fixed, drive an older car, have health issues, etc. My life isn't all rainbows and butterflies. But I am so thankful every day for what I do have and I'm very content. I still strive to do better and be better, but if nothing changed I'm still content and grateful for everything I have been blessed with. |
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Post by sarahyoo72 on Aug 18, 2014 18:14:18 GMT
I am not content. I will say though I am finally started to be myself, be confident in my choices. I am on the road to happiness. I will then work on being content. This is exactly where I am right now too. The way it stands just now, I need to make some serious changes to my life in order to be happy. |
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Post by melanell on Aug 18, 2014 18:17:32 GMT
I'd rather be content all the time than happy just sometimes. I think being content is something that is harder to achieve than just being happy. I think of it as a step beyond happy. Being content means that all is well and good in your life even when the things that are making you happy are finished. So if vacation makes you happy, you would be content even when it was over. If going out for girls' night makes you happy, then being content means that you are perfectly fine going home afterwards. If holidays and special events make you happy, then contentment makes you smile and relax when they are over. |
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Post by quinlove on Aug 18, 2014 18:23:38 GMT
I believe that being happy/content is a matter of attitude. A place you can just go to and you don't need a fancy car to drive there.
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luvnlifelady
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Post by luvnlifelady on Aug 18, 2014 18:41:06 GMT
Not at this time in my life. My house needs organized. I hate visual clutter yet can't seem to get it under control. I'm looking for a job and would be happier if I worked part-time. Kids are doing ok and Dh is fine but he needs a job closer to home. I'd also really like if we earned enough that we didn't have to have my sister here and need her rent $. It's a huge strain to have her here nearly 24/7.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
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Post by georgiapea on Aug 18, 2014 18:47:51 GMT
But some people WOULD need a fancy car to be content. Seems to me it's all a matter of personal perspective. I'm happy with my life but I wouldn't describe myself as content. My own version of content would be if I have the things I want for my life. Not necessarily material things, maybe more like 'happenings'.
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rather than this ---> 
