I have a confession. I really struggle with being content. Like, I really struggle with this, not just a little bit. Our house is small and in need of updating. We’ve pretty much out grown it. But we won’t be able to move for years, if ever. Remodeling is a very slow process. I see these beautiful, open concept houses and I start to really dislike my house.
Our laptop is older. The battery doesn’t have much of a life. The power cord doesn’t like to stay plugged in so we have to hold it on with a rubber band. The speakers don’t work. But other than that, it does work fairly well. But I really want a Macbook. With the blog and doing more printables for the Etsy shop, a Macbook would work better.
I love that my child is curious about the world around her. I love that she loves to be with me. I love that her voice works perfectly and she loves to sing. I love that she doesn’t have a speech delay so that is one less mommy worry. But my ears are tired of listening. My body is tired of playing. I sometimes wish that she went to daycare or preschool even though we made the decision to not do that…just so I can do my own thing…in silence. I love being a mom…but I miss the silence and freedom I had pre-child.
Those are just some of the things I struggle with. Those are just the major things I’m struggling with this week. I am not good at being content. I want to be. I try to be. But I’m not. Here are a few of the things I do when I start getting discontent, angry, and restless.
Stay off the computer
When I am getting really annoyed at my house, I stay away from Pinterest especially. My husband likes to look at the real estate market and see what’s out there. I’ve had to tell him to stop sharing what he finds with me. It takes that part of me that would love to move and feds that discontent.
Take a break
This is especially true when being a mom is wearing on me. One morning last week I just sat and read a book while Abby played outside. I was a “mean mommy” and didn’t push her on the swing and didn’t give her a countdown to go down the slide. I told her mommy was there if she truly needed something but mommy needed a break and some time to herself. She didn’t like that. She had a hard time respecting that…but she did her best. It did help me feel a little more refreshed which stomped down that feeling if discontentment.
Pray
You knew this one would make the list. When I find myself starting to get restless, I try to remember to pray. I know that a lot of that discontentment is a spiritual attack. It’s crazy where those attacks can happen. Discontentment can be a form of temptation. Satan knows our weak points. But more importantly, God does too. He knows what we struggle with. He knows where we need help. We just need to ask Him.
Write down my blessings
This one may sound silly but it does work. When I find myself stuck in a cycle of complaining, I try to find the positive of each things I’m discontent about. Like my house. My house is small and lacks storage. But a blessing is that my mortgage, tax, and insurance payment combined is less than most monthly rents are around here. It’s definitely cheaper than the mortgage, etc. on a larger home.
...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. -Phil. 4:11 Click To TweetI honestly don’t think I’ll ever be truly content. I’m human. Contentment is something most every person struggles with in some area of their lives. Learning to be content is a lifetime lesson. You never stop learning it. These are just some of the ways I use to help make my discontentment fade. Remembering that I do have blessings and asking God to help remind me with them are the biggest strategies I use to be more content with my life.
Do you struggle with being discontent? What do you do to help get you through the rough times?
Winter says
I LOVE this post!! It could have been written about me, my house is teeny tiny and we don’t see moving out of it any time soon. My laptop needs replaced it currently is moving as slow as molasses! And my daughter sings ALL the time also!! I am so thankful for your reminders but to also know I’m not alone! Stopping by from Titus 2 Tuesday.
Julie says
You are definitely not alone! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Romany says
I too struggle with contentedness, my house is small and I don’t have the means to move or remodel but I am blessed in other ways. I try to remind myself of these blessings although that is not always easy. Thank you for sharing, hopped over from Titus 2 Tuesday — Romany
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Julie says
So true. It isn’t always easy. Actually today, after posting this, I’ve had a really rough day. I think I need to follow my own advice. 😉 Thanks for visiting!
Kelsey Ferguson says
I am right there with you in the discontentment. It’s been a struggle, lately. I use to be really good at writing down my blessings each day. I need to start doing that, again. Thank you for the reminder!
Kelsey Ferguson recently posted…Scripture to Pray Over Your Graduate
Julie says
I’m not great at doing it daily myself. I tend to only do it when I start getting really grumpy about rough things or getting really discontent.
Emily says
Love this post! I feel like I am never satisfied with anything. A few years ago my husband and I built a house and within a couple of weeks of moving in I was talking about remodeling. I want to quit my teaching job, I want a new car, I need these plants, on and on and on. I drive myself crazy…I can only imagine how the hubby feels trying to reign in my crazy! I completely agree that staying off social media and Pinterest can make you feel a whole lot better about yourself. Glad to know that I’m not alone with this discontentment journey of mine!
Emily recently posted…The Best Yes: Book Review
Julie says
You are definitely not alone. 🙂
Mark says
I too battle with contentment. I’ve discovered that if I will give myself a “time-out” and begin to thank God “that I have everything I NEED for right now”, my perspective begins to shift to thankfulness.
Thank you for this good reminder!
(found your post on WFMW)
Julie says
The time out really helps a lot. Thanks for visiting!
Yasmina @ Mina and Her Blog says
Ooh, I can so relate! It’s hard as a mother to find the peacefulness and take a “break”. We actually rent our house and I would love to remodel but we can’t. It’s hard to stay content.. what you are describing was me a few years ago.
I have struggled, but over the years I’ve learned to pray and ask God guidance and patience. It’s amazing what HE can do.
Don’t beat yourself up, you will get there!!
Thank you for sharing this, loved reading this post.
Julie says
I think living in a “stuff driven” culture can make it even harder to stay content. I sometimes wonder if it was easier way back when before the internet, TV, electricity, etc.
Aspen Jay says
Yes I definitely struggle with being content! Especially missing a bit of the freedom I had before the kids rolled around. All your tips I have found to work really well… especially the praying. I also like to have a disconnect from the computer on Sundays just to help my mind regroup. Thanks for this post!
Aspen Jay recently posted…Talented Tuesday Link Party #28
Julie says
I take Sundays as a “media light” day. I hope on and check once in awhile but not much at all. I also don’t do any work on the computer on Sundays. It definitely does help with re-grouping.
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace says
Great post. I think we all can relate to not feeling content at times. I struggle with this a lot. But I’ve learned over the last few years to try to just be, and appreciate what I do have and that my family is healthy. I’ve definitely been more content as of late.
Thanks for sharing on the Shine Blog Hop!
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace recently posted…Shine Blog Hop #47
Julie says
Appreciation is definitely a big key. I love hearing from someone who is doing better with discontentment. 🙂
Sarah Washburn says
Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggles … this is a blessing as many of us like to cover over them! I used to struggle with contentment (in different areas) a good bit, but then I finally realized that the things I am going through now are just practice and testing for my future life and so I had better learn the lesson now as it might not be so easy later on. Sometimes it is not easy, but for the most part, this has really helped. It is also wonderful to know that we can do all things through our Savior who strengthens us and He is always there, ready to help! Blessings to you and yours, ~Sarah (visiting from Radical Femininity)
Sarah Washburn recently posted…Pink, White And Navy Stripes
Julie says
There have definitely been times when I’ve been like, “God, whatever lesson I’m suppose to learn…can I hurry up and learn it already?” Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Misty says
Such a great and thoughtful post. We all struggle with contentment. I tend to do what you do, and that is count my blessings! When we stop and think about it we are a truly blessed nation.
Misty recently posted…Three Benefits of Starting an in Home Bible Study
Shannon says
I too struggle with discontentment only mine is with my marriage. I try to talk to God and pray but it’s hard being the only one trying. We have only been married a year and a half but it feels like we are just roommates 80% of the time. We are a blended family and its difficult, Very difficult to find happiness when no one gets along. I struggle with fears and doubts on an everyday basis. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one the has struggles.
Julie says
Oh, Shannon. Please know that I am praying for you. That is a tough, tough situation. I come from a “yours, mine, and ours” family so I understand all the hardships that come with a blended family. (((hug)))
beth willis miller says
Julie, I LOVE this open, honest, transparent post….you have expressed so well the feelings and frustrations that we all feel as moms and even grandmothers….your strategies truly work, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, the things of earth fade away…many blessings to you and your family 🙂
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Julie says
Thanks, Beth! You can always, always count on me to be honest and transparent. 🙂
Michele Morin says
I, too, struggle with contentment, and have found that thankfulness has been a major component in fighting back. I try to write down three things every day that I can thank God for — and sometimes I really struggle to come up with three (which shows you what a mess I am!), but I believe that the struggle is part of healing and growing. Glad to have found your post at Fellowship Friday.
Michele Morin recently posted…Digging Into Grace
Julie says
Writing things down each day is a great way to be thankful and content. So glad you stopped by! 🙂
Emily @ Morning Motivated Mom says
This is such an important topic! Thanks for sharing. It’s easy for discontentment to spiral downward if we are not careful. The fact that you are aware means I think you will be just fine. 🙂
You have great tips for what to do! Prayer is important as only our Savior can help us find true contentment! I agree that a break always helps. I hear so much about gratitude journals and such, so I may considering making a list of what I am thankful for. I hear that it changes perspectives drastically!
Emily @ Morning Motivated Mom recently posted…Finding Encouragement by Skipping the Small Talk
Julie says
I know myself well enough to know I would start a gratitude journal…then not finish. But I do love the idea of one. If you try it, let me know how it works out. 🙂
Tammy says
Getting to the place in our lives to realize that everything is a gift from God. To realize that everything we have been given are treasures from Him, yes, even our husbands. I know that is so hard and I struggle with this contentment thing too. For me it has helped to think on the line of gifts and treasures and like you said, counting our blessings. We really are so rich in Christ! Thank you for this post. Blessings to you!
Tammy recently posted…BEAUTIFUL FOR ITS OWN TIME
Julie says
We really are. 🙂
Dawn says
This is great! You’re right, learning how to be content is a lifelong process. We’re never really “there”. It takes a a continual choosing of contentment, day by day. I love the suggestions that you gave. I’m visiting from Grace and Truth.
Julie says
Thank you so much for visiting!
Sharon Rowe says
Isn’t it weird that this speaks to so many people, me included, why are we not content with our lives? Why are we always wanting more? Thank you for sharing it made me appreciate what I do have today 🙂 Visiting from #fellowshipFriday 🙂
Sharon Rowe recently posted…A Simple Way To Clean Your Loft
Julie says
So glad I could help you today. Thanks for visiting!
Janelle@The Peaceful Haven says
I am learning to be content too…thanks for an encouraging and real post!
Janelle@The Peaceful Haven recently posted…31 Things You Can Do With Vinegar
Brittany at Equipping Godly Women says
I kind of deal with this, but not in the same way. I’m always very happy where I am now, but I’m never content with the amount I am growing towards tomorrow–if that makes sense. In other words, once I’ve gone 2 steps ahead, I’m already wondering how I’m going to get to five and why I haven’t gotten there yet.
Julie says
No, I get what you’re saying. I get that way too sometimes. 🙂
Cathy says
I couldn’t agree more! I did the first 2 this weekend, I stayed off the computer and I took a much needed break and I came back well rested, recharged and ready to take on the world! 🙂
This would be a fabulous addition to my link party Making Memories Mondays going on now! I would love for you to stop over! 🙂
Cathy
Jenn says
I love how honest and real you are here, Julie. So many of us deal with discontentment. It’s easy to feel guilty about it, especially for believers. I am thankful for so many blessings, but there are days that I just want something more. The grass is greener, as they say. I’m so blessed though, and prayer is the first thing I need to turn to, followed closely by the Word. I need to start stepping away from the computer, too. LOL.
Thanks for linking up with Grace&Truth!
Jenn recently posted…Avoiding Self-righteous Attitudes :: Parenting Tip Number Thirteen
Julie says
It is super easy to feel guilty over discontentment. Prayer is definitely, definitely the first step for so many things, including discontentment. Thanks for stopping by!
Linda says
This is a great post. I think at one time it another we all think “if only” or “what if.” I know I do. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. Thanks for the insight.