Satisfaction

Generally, I know about the book/movie Eat, Pray, Love but have not read, seen or explored it in-depth. Still, I do believe there's a reason why the concept has caught on so strongly with some people—especially women. 

Everywhere I turn, it seems as though people are looking for something but are rarely satisfied. Ever seeking contentment, women would be buried in—and bankrupt—if Louboutin had its way and men would be forever buried in humongous breast implants if Maxim had equal say.  As the Eurythmics asserted: "Everybody's looking for something."

But right there lies the crux of the problem: Looking outside yourself for satisfaction doesn't work. The answer to your happiness does not rely upon someone else, in possessions, or in "having it all." Especially if "all" means closets full of labels and jewels and "stuff." (Ever see hoarders? They have plenty of everything but don't seem all that happy to me.)

Over the years I've kept a mental checklist of a life and I've found that a day at a time (even though in some cases, the days spanned decades) it is essentially my current reality—or clearly within reach. There is little I seek outwardly for fulfillment. What a terrific existence! I know I am blessed and I am grateful, doing my best daily to let my loved ones know how much I value them.

How I got here is that I believed it could happen. My vision was clear. It was reasonable. Never cared much about the idea of living in a castle and having liquid gold running from its fountains. I needed and wanted a place to be. To exist peacefully. To feel and give love. To smile. A simple level of satisfaction that admittedly includes television, music, a computer, and three insanely lovable dogs. With my wilder days behind me, this is my utopia.

Stop the wants and must-haves. Reevaluate your vision of satisfaction. Embrace what is, finding beauty and joy in the simpler things.

If you don't like your existence, visualize a realistic picture of what you want it to be.

Then keep moving toward it, without the noise and input of others telling you what it should be.

If you remain open and reasonable, you'll be there before you know it.

Seriously.