Are you happy and content with your life? Is there a difference between those two words? \u00a0Sometimes we have all the things that we think we need to be happy, but we aren\u2019t. Other times we struggle with being content with our lives. \u00a0If this is you, then read on. I\u2019ll tell you some things that I have learned about how to be happy and content with my own life, as well as things that haven\u2019t worked at all. \u00a0First, let\u2019s explore the difference in the two words and what it means for your life. <\/span><\/p>\n (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see my disclosure<\/a>. )<\/p>\n That\u2019s a pretty good question, especially considering that the name of my blog is Contentment Questing. \u00a0Hard to quest after something when you don\u2019t know how to recognize it. Content is a state of peaceful happiness. \u00a0Happy is \u201cfeeling or showing pleasure or contentment\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n The dictionary is not much help in this instance, is it? \u00a0To me, contentment means being at peace with where I am right now in the general state of my life. \u00a0Contentment is the long-range and big picture.<\/strong> Happiness fluctuates more with the moment, and the day. \u00a0It\u2019s a temporary feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n Always being in an emotional state of happiness is unrealistic. \u00a0We are going to get frustrated, mad, sad, and discouraged from time to time. \u00a0That\u2019s the nature of emotions \u2013 they fluctuate. However, you can be content with your life, even if you are not to your ultimate goal yet. \u00a0You can be at peace if your house (or your paycheck) is not quite as big as you would like it to be. You can be content with where your life is right now instead of constantly seeking immediate gratification where ever you can get it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The bottom line is: your life may not be exactly what you pictured it to be at the moment, but you can still be content.<\/strong> \u00a0Often, we have to actively seek it out, hence the \u201cQuesting\u201d part. <\/span><\/p>\n Learning to be Happy and Content in your life isn\u2019t always easy. In fact, it\u2019s just downright hard sometimes. The truth is, all of these tips help, but there are many pieces to the puzzle. I go through all of them in quick bite-sized pieces in my course, Questing for Contentment. The course takes well-researched strategies that I have personally tested and puts them all together for you to walk with you step by step. It\u2019s the perfect gift to yourself and your loved ones because a happier and more content you, makes their lives better too. Click the image below to learn more!<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To be content means to have an overall sense of well-being and peace in your life. \u00a0Happiness is great, but it\u2019s more of a short-term emotion. Content deals with how you view the big picture of your life and how at peace you are with it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The opposite of contentment is discontentment. \u00a0You may have a general sense of unhappiness with your life or restlessness. \u00a0You want something to change, but are unwilling to have the patience<\/a> or to take any action yourself towards a goal. \u00a0\u00a0You may constantly overthink things, compare yourself to others, and fall victim to your inner critic. You may also lash out at those you love for not solving your problems and making you happier. \u00a0All these are signs of discontentment. <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Discontentment sounds terrible, doesn\u2019t it? \u00a0How do you go from that state to one of being happy and content? \u00a0I liken it to decluttering your closet \u2013 some things you get rid of, and other things you keep. \u00a0I share all the secrets to finding happiness and contentment in detail in the Questing for Contentment Course<\/a> and there are also some in my book, The Pearl Perspective. <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n In my opinion, one of the most powerful passages in the Bible that deal with contentment is Philippians 4:11-13:<\/span><\/p>\n 11 <\/b>Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.<\/span><\/p>\n 12 <\/b>I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.<\/span><\/p>\n 13 <\/b>I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.<\/span><\/p>\n Source: <\/span>Biblegateway<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Reading that verse of scripture was one of the things that started me on this quest for contentment. \u00a0The passage says \u201clearned to be content.\u201d That means that it\u2019s a skill that we can learn and certain strategies we can implement. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span>18 Bible Verses For Hard Times that You Need to Read<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 27 Bible Veres for Overwhelming Times<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Have you heard the phrase that was popular for a while called \u201cYOLO\u201d? It stands for \u201cYou Only Live Once.\u201d \u00a0We get one chance at this life. There are no \u201cdo-overs\u201d or \u201crespawns\u201d like a video game. Your kids are only little once. \u00a0You will only be the age that you are now, once. You will only go through the phase of life that you are currently in once. Do you really want to waste it being unhappy and discontent? \u00a0Life is too short to be filled with anger, sadness, and \u201ccoulda, shoulda, woulda.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I want to live my life as happy and content as possible. \u00a0I want to be grateful and suck in all the joy that I can, and do all the good that I can. \u00a0We find what we look for in life. I\u2019m going to look for the joy.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Negativity is easy. \u00a0Being positive is harder. \u00a0You have to make a conscious effort to put on a positive attitude, but it\u2019s an effort that\u2019s worthwhile. \u00a0Below, I outline 16 things that you can do to live a happier life as well as 15 additional things to avoid. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, and no. \u00a0Opinions seem to be divided about this, and everyone has their own. \u00a0Most of the time, yes, happiness is a choice. Everyone will go through hard times in their lives. \u00a0Some may even suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Those are not choices.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0We all have our own crosses to bear and our own challenges to overcome. \u00a0I do think that there are strategies to better manage mental health issues. If you need professional help, please seek it out. \u00a0Even if you are not happy every day, I hope that you can at least quest for contentment so you can have a better quality of life. \u00a0If you need some strategies now for dealing with mental health issues, I recommend: <\/span><\/p>\n National Institute of Mental Health<\/a> \u2013 a good place to get started with professional resources. <\/p>\n MentalHealth.gov <\/a>\u2013 Another good place to get started with professional resources<\/p>\n Heather LeGuilloux\/ Mental Health Therapist and Blogger<\/span><\/a> \u00a0(Heather has a really nice workbook for dealing with anxiety)<\/span><\/p>\n For most of us, I think that the choice to be happy is a big one, and will impact how happy and content we are. \u00a0This world is tough! Let\u2019s look for the good things together and build each other up instead of tear each other down. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n With all that being said, there are some definite things that you can do to be happy and content in life. \u00a0Every one of these things will make your life happier, but combined they have a powerful effect. <\/span><\/p>\n Practicing gratitude has a tremendous influence on how happy and content we are in life. \u00a0It shifts our focus from what we don\u2019t have to what we have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span>How to Get the Most From your Gratitude List<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude<\/a><\/p>\n We all have a limited amount of money. \u00a0For some, the limit may be larger than for others, but we all have a certain amount of income. \u00a0Choosing how you spend that money and having a plan and a budget can make you happier and more content. \u00a0There is great peace in not wondering if there will be too much month at the end of the money or whether you will, once again, squeak by. \u00a0Avoid that by having a plan on how to spend your money. <\/span><\/p>\n Related:<\/span> Finances Without Fighting: How One Couple Does It<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n We are faced with tons of choices every day. \u00a0Some of them do not have much of an impact, (like what to have for dinner) while others (like who we choose to be our spouse) leave lasting effects over the course of our whole lives. \u00a0You will not make the very best choice every time. It\u2019s inevitable because you are human. However, we make mistakes so that we can learn from them. \u00a0Hence, we need to evaluate our choices for lives that are happy and content. <\/span><\/p>\n Just because I want your life to be happy and content, does not mean that you should not have motivation or ambition. \u00a0Our dreams give us hope. We all need a little hope. Your dreams can become reality by turning them into achievable goals that are broken down into manageable chunks. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span>What is a Future Goals List and Why Do I Need One? <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The Best Yearly Planner to Slay Your Goals<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Self Motivation to Achieve Your Personal Goals Course<\/a><\/p>\n When we go through a routine, we put that part of our day on autopilot so that we can divert our <\/span>brain power to something else. \u00a0They become healthy habits. It helps you to be happy and content when your body feels healthy and you know you are making smart choices when it comes to taking care of yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span><\/p>\n 16 Easy Ways to Still Your Mind So You Can Sleep<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 7 Ways to Enjoy Alone Time<\/a><\/p>\n Self-care is not selfish. \u00a0You can\u2019t pour from an empty cup. \u00a0In order to be happy and content with your life, you need to take care of yourself so that you can take better care of others in your life. \u00a0I have heard this likened to putting on your own oxygen mask on a plane. <\/span> There are practical ways to fill your cup, even when life gets hard. <\/a> Remember to take some time to take care of you. <\/p>\n We talked about evaluating our choices above as a way to a happy and content life. \u00a0We may not always get to choose everything that happens to us, but we can choose how we react to it. \u00a0Choosing kindness is the high road, even when someone is not very kind to you. Choosing kindness can open doors and bridge huge chasms. \u00a0Plus, it always makes you feel good as well. <\/span><\/p>\n In a world that boasts easier communication over farther distances than ever before, the skill of active listening seems to be growing scarcer. \u00a0That\u2019s actually good news for you because if you can learn how to do it, then it makes you stand out. Pay attention to what people are saying. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Love is a funny thing \u2013 the more you give it away the more it comes back to you<\/strong>. \u00a0When you take the time to tell your loved ones how much you care for them, all that love you express comes right back to you. \u00a0Sometimes, it comes when you least expect it or in surprising ways. Both the giving and receiving of love help to make you happy and content no matter what your current situation is. \u00a0Sometimes we just need to know that we are not alone. <\/span><\/p>\n Practicing a hobby has many <\/a>benefits and<\/span>\u00a0is a great way to increase your happiness and contentment in life. \u00a0It lets you unwind and takes away some of the stress of the day. It can also make you feel quite productive as well, and might even make you a bit of extra money on the side! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You know those people in school that were labeled nerds because they actually enjoyed learning things?\u00a0 I confess \u2013\u00a0 I\u2019m one of those people. I have also learned that when I keep learning new things it makes me happier and more content. \u00a0Our brains are not meant to just sit. They are like a muscle \u2013 the more you use them, the better they work. <\/span><\/p>\n I have struggled with transforming my perfectionism. Trying to be perfect puts a tremendous amount of strain on you. \u00a0No one is perfect. It is ok to not go the extra 110% on everything. If you struggle with perfectionism, know that you\u2019re not alone, and you are most likely harder on yourself than anyone else. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A growth mindset refers to your attitude towards learning. \u00a0If you think you know it all already or you can\u2019t do something because it\u2019s too hard, then you will not learn much. \u00a0However, if you are open to new ideas, if you like to ask questions and you have a good attitude, it fuels not only your learning but also your ability to be happy and content. <\/span>A growth mindset is a beautiful way to love yourself better<\/a> and forgive<\/a> yourself for your mistakes. It allows you the freedom to learn and grow. <\/p>\n Knowing your core values helps to ground you. \u00a0It\u2019s the \u201ctrue North\u201d that you base all of your choices on. \u00a0You need to both know and internalize the most important things in your life and what you value. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I love journaling. I have been practicing it regularly for a bit over a year but I have kept a journal off and on since I was eleven years old. \u00a0Most of my journaling has been free-writing although there are <\/span>many different kinds of journaling<\/span><\/a>. I just started a bullet journal and am enjoying that as well. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Journaling helps me to be happy and content because it helps me to work through my emotions, and process my thoughts. \u00a0It also serves as a place that I reflect and brainstorm. <\/strong> Journaling can be a powerful personal development tool if you also use it to answer personal development questions. <\/a><\/p>\n Related: Journaling for Beginners: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n There are times in life when<\/span> we have to wait. \u00a0It\u2019s not always fun, and many times we get impatient. \u00a0However, patience is a virtue because it is a way to practice self-control. \u00a0It helps us from overreacting and helps us to be content in the moment, even when things aren\u2019t perfect. <\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span>10 Powerful Benefits of Being Patient<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n How to Master Patience: 20 Powerful Tips<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Just as there are things that we can embrace to become more happy and content, there are also things that we need to let go of. \u00a0It\u2019s much like decluttering your closet \u2013 some things you keep, other things you let go of, and some things are brought in brand new.\u00a0 I have dealt with every single thing in this list of \u201cDon\u2019ts\u201d for being happy and content.\u00a0 If you find yourself falling into these traps, know that you are not alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Overthinking is the root cause of many reasons why we might be discontent or unhappy with our lives. \u00a0Overthinking fuels the inner critic, worrying too much, taking things personally, lack of confidence and much more. \u00a0When you overthink things, you take something relatively minor, blow it up and sometimes even come to false conclusions. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Who has not fallen into this trap? \u00a0While you may not be trying to keep up with the Joneses, you might compare yourself to others in a different way. \u00a0No one has the same challenges that you do. Often when we compare ourselves to others, we are comparing all of our lives to someone else\u2019s highlight reel. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/span>What We Don\u2019t See When We Compare Ourselves to Others<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n I once had a friend that told me \u201cYou worry too much\u201d at least three times a week. \u00a0That friend hit the nail right on the head. I was worrying too much. I thought that worrying meant that I cared, and caring is a good thing, right? \u00a0Caring IS a good thing, but worrying all the time does more harm than it does good. Sometimes you have to let go and trust God. <\/span><\/p>\n Related:<\/span> What to Do When You are Worrying Too Much<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Our inner critic can be harsh! \u00a0We think things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend. \u00a0That inner voice can tear us down and destroy our happy and content lives, even though it may look like everything is good on the outside. \u00a0You have to learn to respond to that mean inner critic and silence it. Turn that inner critic into an inner coach!<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Difference Between Being Happy and Content? <\/span><\/h2>\n
Why is This Blog Named Contentment Questing and not Happiness Questing? <\/span><\/h2>\n
Wish Someone Could Walk You Through Everything You Need to Know to Be Happy and Content? <\/h2>\n
![\"Questing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Questing-for-Courses-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nWhat Does it Mean to Be Content? <\/span><\/h2>\n
What is the Opposite of Contentment? <\/span><\/h2>\n
How Do You Find Happiness and Contentment in Life? <\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1792639309&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=contentmentqu-20&language=en_US\")
What Does the Bible Say about Contentment? <\/span><\/h2>\n
Why Is It Important to Be Content? <\/span><\/h2>\n
How Do I live a Happier Life? <\/span><\/h2>\n
Is Happiness a Choice? <\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Happy-and-Content-little-girl.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n31 Ways to Be Happy and Content in Your Life<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Practice Gratitude<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Spend Wisely to Be Happy and Content<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Evaluate Your Choices<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Set Goals and Pursue Your Dreams<\/span><\/a> to Be Happy and Content<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Smart Routines<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Self Care<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Happy-and-content-self-care.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n7. Choose Kindness<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
8. Practice Active Listening<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
9. Expressing How Much You Care For The People In Your Life<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Happy-and-content-family.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n10. Practicing a Hobby to be Happy and Content<\/span><\/h3>\n
11. Keep Learning<\/span><\/h3>\n
12. Transform Perfectionism<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
13. Practicing a Growth Mindset<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Happy-and-Content-Woman-hug.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n14. Knowing Your Core Values<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
15. Journaling to Be Happy and Content<\/span><\/h3>\n
16. Develop Your Patience<\/span><\/h3>\n
\u00a0Things That Are Keeping You From Being Happy and Content<\/span><\/h2>\n
17. Overthinking<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
18. Comparing Yourself to Others<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Happy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/contentmentquesting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Happy-and-content-dont-compare-self-to-others.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n19. Excessive Worrying<\/span><\/h3>\n
20. Not <\/span>Silencing Your Inner Critic<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
21.