think on this one...

[jodi]

"Contentment is the magic touch that turns everything to gold."

I actually came across this quote as the answer to a word puzzle I was doing today and it immediately stopped me dead in my tracks. I had to write it down so I wouldn't forget it. How often we get caught up in pursuing "things" that will make us "happy", but the really happiness lies in being satisfied with what we have.
I am fortunate to be an extremely content person. Maybe that's why I feel that I have everything in my life that I need - everything I have (my family, friends, health, and the ability to entertain myself) is gold to me.

Do you have "gold" or are you still searching for it?

[creditcardfree]

I have to remind myself of the gold in my life. I think the more satisfied one is with were they are, they likely they will continue to see and receive blessings.

[nanamom]

I'm planning on walking the streets of gold someday so yeah, I've got it.

[Daylily]

I like the quote. It somewhat reminds me of something that I just read in another thread. It was a rant that was retracted in light of the situation at VA Tech. Sometimes when I'm feeling sorry for myself I have to remind myself that I have food every day, I live in a relatively safe country, I wasn't born into slavery, I'm not forced to sell my body to support myself... that sort of thing.
For the most part, I am content. I feel very fortunate that I have everything I need (sanity, good health, intelligence, common sense) to keep going in this world.

[Fern]

I'm pretty content with the material things that I have but i am working pretty hard to build up my retirement nestegg.

[Hot dog]

I'm not gonna lie I struggle with this daily. I tend to focus on what I want instead of what I have which is a lot. I think I am a little obsessive when it comes to getting to where I want to be instead of being content with where I am. I think a lot about trying to get the bills paid down. Here is the bad part I never have any bills except the basic things. I did have a car payment which I just paid off and now it is the 2nd mortgage that consumes me. Meanwhile my coworker who is a single mom almost lost her home and had to go into her 401k to save it. I have just last year built my dreamhouse and still paid an extra 12,000 in debt last year. I just constantly have to remind myself this month I have like an extra 1500 worth of bills and I just keep telling myself at least you have the money to pay it instead of focusing on I could have had my bills paid down that much more. It is a struggle but I am trying to change my way of thinking. Thanks for the quote I can use that also when I start my stinkin thinkin.

[sakigt]

I think I have a problem juggling the idea behind this quote and the idea that you are given a certain amount of talents, and anything short of your full potential is wasteful.

For example, I was at my community college in the advising office giving them transcripts to my university and I could overhear the conversation in the next office. There was a guy who sounded a little slow trying to get out of a basic mat requirement so he could graduate. I kinda though to myself...I have the mental potential to be a Pharmacist. I know I can do it, its just all these matters of me being mentally lazy or trying to sort out the finances holding me back...this guy, even if he tried his hardest, could never get in.

If I was content with my life I would spend it working as a Medical Lab Assistant the rest of my life, which is fine, but Ive got the potential to do more...why waste it?

See what I mean?

[tinapbeana]

sakigt, the only thing i would point out is that it's very possible to be very good at something you don't particularly enjoy. certain lawyers i know come to mind, but it can apply to pretty much any profession, hobby, task, whatever.

in that situation, which would you prefer: use all of your talents and excel in a field/task that you didn't find gratifying, or find a new field that brought you joy that might not be using all of your talents in the fullest?

[thekid]

sakigt, the only thing i would point out is that it's very possible to be very good at something you don't particularly enjoy. certain lawyers i know come to mind, but it can apply to pretty much any profession, hobby, task, whatever.

in that situation, which would you prefer: use all of your talents and excel in a field/task that you didn't find gratifying, or find a new field that brought you joy that might not be using all of your talents in the fullest?

Yeap. I know tons of lawyers in that situation (am one myself...albeit I don't know about the talented part)....also know quite a few pharmacists in that situation too.

Thing is, people with required talents and adequate circumstances will tend to gravitate towards fields that they somewhat have an interest for AND offers high pay/high social standing. Not many follow their true gut. Basic interests and values are very difficult to change. Changing them to fit your current situation (so that you may be content) is probably just as hard as getting to trully know yourself and then take the big leap which may lead to greater insecurity. If you're lucky though, everything about you loves being an investment banker and you are one (albeit the people around you may not be so lucky)