Can you guys tell that I’m content? Can you? I mean I am happy but happiness is a fleeting emotion. Let’s talk about contentment. What is it? Google dictionary says it is a state of ‘happiness’ and ‘satisfaction’ which is pretty much where I am right now. Especially after successfully completing the 31 Days of Trying to Stay Awake Challenge. Life is good mainly because I’m actively choosing to invest my time and energy in things I can change. I’m also actively choosing not to worry about situations I have absolutely no power over. So yes, life could be difficult right now but there are other things that are not so difficult which I’m focusing on instead.
Like running. I’m not trying to lose any weight but I’m running because it makes me feel good. I’m cooking everyday (except on Saturday. Saturday is my cheat day) and I’m still meditating everyday. The running, cooking and meditating are activities I have full control over. I could be feeling low but I can still choose to do them anyway which helps take my focus away from whatever is making me feel down.
A great example of an activity I don’t have control over is my interaction with people. It could be with a friend, a colleague, any of my sisters, Mbali’s dad or even Mbali herself. Regardless of my efforts to engage with them, I could never have any power over how they engage with me. Knowing this has liberated me in so many ways. Negative interactions make me anxious and sad. They leave me in a state of discontent and add no value to my mental health. So I’m choosing not to direct my energy there – i.e. the sadness and anxiety resulting from the interaction. Don’t get me wrong, I still allow myself to feel what I need to feel. The anger, sadness and disappointment. But only for a little while. Then I take out the pots and cook samp and beef stew. This does wonders to the soul, try it.
Okay, so now that August is here, we’re more than halfway through the year. Winter is bidding farewell and the warm seasons are upon us. Have you noticed that the days are getting longer too? The birds are coming back and the grass is slowly losing its dullness. Pretty soon we’ll be wearing our bikinis and stuffing our faces with braai meat and ice cream. I’m increasing my fuel budget because I’m expecting road trips galore. And I don’t know about you but warm months bring a lot of love for me. Love between friends and family, and love between lovers. I just flirt better in Spring and Summer. Anyway, it’s about to get lit and I’m pretty excited! Are you ready?
Photo by Irina Iriser from Pexels.
