I’ve just realised that I have everything I’ve always needed

[HappyHeader]

I’m not posting this to be smug or boastful as it’s not about possession etc. but I’m wondering has it ever hit you that life can be ok?

I’m sitting in my garden drinking a coffee, it’s sunny but breezy and the dog is snoozing by my feet. My husband is mowing the lawn and is generally just happy in the sunshine. We’re not worried about anything today, we’re just happy and healthy and content and really, really lucky.

This comes on the back of a few very difficult years. Serious health problem, depression, a traumatic bereavement with a resulting legal case that’s still ongoing and costing us hugely in terms of money and spirit. Things aren’t perfect- I worry about my elderly parent, I’m at a crossroads with work, lots of things going on, just like everyone else.

If you had asked me 20 years ago what I wanted, I think my response would have been much more ambitious than a coffee in a sunny garden with the gentle noises of a lawnmower and a snoring collie in the background, but I don’t think there’s any material thing at this moment that could make me happier. I have everything I need.

Does anyone else feel like this, or should I take it as a sign that I need to switch to decaff?

This is a nice post OP I hope you enjoy your day!

That’s lovely.
I have those moments, (not everything is perfect, I have a small amount of debt but I’m meh about it, our mortgage has gone up, parents aging etc, anxiety about my child) BUT it is often something like a walk around our local park and a lovely breeze or watching my child grow and I just think how lucky am I.
Love that you’re content 🙂

I think sometimes you need to go through difficult times to appreciate those peaceful moments. Enjoy it. I've had a few of those recently and I've had to train myself to enjoy it and not find something to fret about.

How lovely, enjoy that wonderful feeling 😀

How good to hear.

We feel the same. Yes we've had problems many years ago. But Dh and I are basically happy and content and have been mostly for the last 20 years.

I'm so happy for you, op, and I feel exactly the same way. I genuinely feel that I am one of the luckiest people on earth and I am grateful every day for how fortunate I am. Of course my life isn't perfect, no one's is, but I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

Yes!! Love this. I’ve had moments - generally at night when the kids are all tucked up asleep and I close the patio doors before I go to bed, but before I do, I feel the house enveloping me and look up at the stars and feel totally safe and secure. And just for a moment I feel so grateful for everything I have, and don’t worry about anything I think I’m missing. Bliss.

Funny enough, we are on holiday and me and my 13 year old daughter have just been to the beach. We normally just stay on the sand and walk a little bit but this time we walked as far as we could into the water and messed around and running back. It was so lovely and I forgot about everything except just the moment. Happiest I felt in a long time.

I'm on holiday right now and yeah, pretty much the same. I don't need anything else. And no my life is far from perfect and I've had many tough years so to feel this settled is quite amazing.

I'm amazed I'm so happy, it's been a long time coming.

One of my favourite phrases to bear in mind 😊

Sometimes, being content with what you have is the best thing.

I remember, quite a few years ago, looking out of the window in a hotel room at the start of a holiday and feeling pure happiness in that moment. I think it’s important to recognise when you feel like that, however fleeting it may be.

Moments to be cherished and savoured.

❤️ this

That's a wonderful moment/realisation OP!

I feel exactly the same.😁

Stressful few years with house move, parents dying, hassle at work, illness etc but looking at it now, our lives have changed immeasurably for the better.

Took retirement in mid-50's so free agents and just last week the diary was empty so I took myself off for a few days walking while OH stayed at home with Ddogs.
Walking along an isolated footpath in some beautiful countryside, stopped for lunch at a quite pub I remember thinking, does it get any better?

That's lovely OP. If I was in the situation u are in I would consider myself a very rich woman. Enjoy it. 😁

I know what you mean op.

Sometimes I can be snuggled on the sofa, teen dd sitting at the other end, the cat and the dog also squeeze in and I think 'I'm so lucky.'

Lovely post @HappyHeader
I do frequently think like this & remind myself of how fortunate I am. I recount the things that I have: all of my family living nearby & i still have both parents, not having to worry about my safety with where i live etc. I do try to remind my partner & teen dd too, as they tend to look towards the things we haven't got.
I'm also reminded by the book that looked at the thoughts of dying patients who recounted the important things like family & connections rather than material possessions & high flying jobs.

Aww, that's nice. I think we could all do with a few moments of contentment.
I have nothing really to worry about at the moment, no financial worries, no adult dc worries and I feel utterly joyless.😒
I guess I just need to appreciate these moments in life.
You are right, it is these little things that we should appreciate😍
Thank you for your post.
I shall seek contentment tomorrow 😊

Aww, love this😊

There’s a lot to be said for a coffee in the sunshine! Enjoy!

Yes, I feel the same way and know just how fortunate I am. We have a collie too, perhaps it's that 😉 just kidding!
We've had a difficult year, with three close family bereavements in a few months in the winter. All in all, the blessings in our life more than outweigh the problems and challenges and for that I thank the Lord!

Last year was a difficult year. This year I spend most of the time noticing how lucky I am, there are frequent reminders too.
It's taken a long time to feel calm and content.
Contentment is more important than happiness.

Cherish those moments, OP!

Thank you all. Glad to hear others have also found contentment in the small moments.

Yes, I feel like that a lot of the time as well. I love my husband. I love our house and garden, and spending time doing up the home we’re making. I have plenty of time to do the things I want to. We aren’t loaded, but we’re comfortable and secure. We have lovely holidays. Life is calm, and peaceful. It’s not perfect- my job is horrible and stressful and unsatisfying- but the bits of it that are mine are close. I know that in the next few years our parents are going to go, or need more help, and this won’t last.