“The giving of love is an education in itself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Contentment. People look for it in all sorts of places. Some look for contentment in a high-paying job, yet show their discontent the first time they are passed over for a raise. Some look for it in a large home, yet show their discontent by requiring countless improvements. Many have sought contentment in a department store believing that one more item will finally match their desire, yet they are always disappointed… despite the promises made on television.
Could it be that we have been taught to look for contentment in all the wrong places?
What if contentment is actually found in the exact opposite place that we have been looking? What if contentment is not found in accumulating more, but is actually found in giving more?
We can easily understand how contentment leads to generosity – the less we need, the more we can give away. But could it be that the inverse is also true? That generosity also leads to contentment? That the two collide together in a way that encourages each other to exist all the more?
Consider for just a moment how generosity leads to contentment:
- Generous people have a healthy understanding of how much they already own. People who give to those in need quickly realize how much they have to give.
- Generous people value what they own. People who give away possessions hold their remaining possessions in higher esteem. People who give their time make better use of their time remaining. And people who donate money are far less wasteful with the money left over.
- Generous people live happier, more fulfilled lives. Studies have shown that generous people are generally happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life. And once they find this satisfaction through generosity, they are less inclined to search for it elsewhere.
- Generous people find meaning outside of their possessions. It is the American way to wrap up self-worth in net-worth… as if a person’s true value could ever be tallied on a balance sheet. Generous people find their value in helping others and quickly realize that their bank statement says nothing about their true value.
- Generous people have more fulfilling relationships. People always enjoy the company of a generous giver to the company of a selfish hoarder. People are naturally attracted towards others who have an open heart to share with others. And a good friend is the best gift you could ever give yourself.
Generous people have less desire for more. They have found fulfillment, meaning, value, and relationships outside of the acquisition of possessions. They have learned to find joy in what they already possess and give away the rest. In other words, they have found true contentment. This contentment naturally leads to even more generosity which leads to even greater contentment which leads to…
Are you searching for contentment in life? If so, try giving something away today. And open up the door for contentment and generosity to collide.
Jennifer says
Yes yes, so blessed by you putting into words so beautifully all I have wanted to express! Thank you.
Abeer Khan says
Very true. I have never felt truly happy in any work except doing something for someone else. It just fills you with inner joy and peace for a very long time :)
Suki says
As I read this lovely article my young daughter came over and shared her egg custard tart with me, the happiness in her expression from my thanks and enjoyment was unbeatable…and it tasted good! I returned this with cashews which we both love, small things!
Sarah says
I’ve made a project out of my desire for more contentment and generosity. I’ve been giving away free pie in a city park for 15 weeks. It’s been really rewarding to see the same people week after week, coming to share a love of food and sharing, as well as plenty of new faces too!
lauren says
Very inspiring…..all involved benefit in the flow of generosity. I so want to live more minimally and consume less, etc. —give more stuff away. I like the idea of the commenter (sp?) who hides antique jewelry and things in tree hollows, etc. How fun for someone to come across secret treasure! Still, I’m struggling internally between that want to live with less and the strong desire to acquire and have nice things. I also feel some comfort in extra stuff around—-like a layer of protection from stresses and harshness of the world. I continue to read and think and try to work out these
opposite forces in my mind. I appreciate thoughtful posts like these.
Di says
Generosity and contentment. They go hand in hand don’t they. In the last few years I’ve been practicing having a contented spirit and encouraging others to do the same. It is much easier to become minimalist if one is content and it is much easier to be generous as well. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation….” Thanks for a lovely post.
Tricia says
This is so true… there are so many more ways to have true fulfillment in ones life other than what society bombards us into believing today! I personally am finding myself at a point in my life where I am longing to return to a life that is more fulfilling than where I am currently. This was just the post that I needed to spur me on in my quest for a better and more fulfilling life! Thank you for your post, Josh!
Briana says
This is such good advice. Not just with tangible objects, but giving of yourself. I frequently get anxious when meeting up with a friend or getting ready to make a phone call to someone. I worry about what I will say. What I really need to do is give by listening and making myself available to that person. If I get in that mindset of giving, it all feels less scary and more do-able.
Misty Funk says
I just found your site today, Josh, and this the first post I’ve read. I love it. You are offering so much to the world. Thank you!
joshua becker says
Nice to have you aboard.
Todd Schnick says
i love the point made that you value the possessions that you keep more, after you have given away boxes of other stuff.
i loved the side effect of this process. i value the remaining items more, i take better care of them, and i enjoy my interactions with them more.
does make me content!
Ramblings of a Woman says
I have always heard that if we clinch our hands and hold onto our “stuff” tightly, our hands are not open for us to be blessed. Hmmm, makes you think!
Bernice
http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/so-what-is-good-enough/