The Amish Changed My Life

Are you CONTENT?

contentment (noun):

bliss, comfort, ease, gladness, happiness, pleasure, satisfaction
1. the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.
2. the act of making contentedly satisfied.

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A few years ago I was watching an interview by a social icon with Amish people. They talked about contentment, and this conversation changed my life. I started to think about what was stopping me from feeling content, and I really decided from then on to take the steps and switch my paradigm to always feel that contentment. Just yesterday I listened to a discussion about the financial crisis we are in as a nation and how many people are living a lie about who they are and what they have. Again it brought up the idea of contentment, and I was reminded of the differences between people who chase it all their lives, and those who surrender themselves, be honest, live simply, and feel content.

photo by skippysanchez

Contentment is found when you are at peace with who you are, where you are, and where you are going. You care very little for the business of other peoples lives, or what they think of you, and are free to worry less about others drama because you have your own full life to live. Contentment comes from living more unselfishly and serving others. You are less greedy for your wants and more concerned about lifting others and helping where needed. Your life is full of meaningful deep relationships, not things. Contentment is being Christ-like.

photo found on flickr

These are the top qualities of my favorite people in MY life that define contentment...

One- They rarely say bad things about others. Even when the group is gossiping or meddling in other peoples business, they sit quietly or chime in with something nice to say about that person.
Two- They live simply. They aren’t filling their lives with fluff and circumstance. They appreciate beautiful things but don’t need every single one of those beautiful things. They are living in the world, but are not of the world.
Three- They care very little about what others think about them- they know who they are, they’re self worth, and that God loves them… this is all that matters.
Four- They make me feel happy and joyful after spending time with them. I know that I can act or say something stupid and I won’t be kicking myself afterwards because they are quick to forgive me and see past my faults.
Five- I learn from them. There are wonderful moments where new thoughts, ideas, or worlds are opened up to me.
Six- They make me want to be a better person. They inspire me to develop my talents and aspire to greater things.
Seven- They care very little about what social interactions others are busy with, and are happy when others succeed. They aren’t filled with jealousy and don’t compare themselves to others because they are busy with their own friendships and relationships, and they are grateful for all that they have.
Eight- They make me to want to make good choices.
Nine- It’s not all about them. They are not self absorbed or always changing the subject to talk about their accomplishments or “Debbie Downer” woes.
Ten- They are hard workers. They are not idle and lazy. They use every precious moment to its fullest- whether its working, cleaning, playing, or meditating.
Eleven- They see the simple joys in life and make me laugh.
Twelve- They serve. There are times when no one knows all that they do because they don't boost or brag when they give back. Giving comes naturally.
Thirteen- They glow with the light of goodness. They have an inner beauty that radiates and attracts people to them.

photo by Hollywood Noosebleed

I won't be living like the Amish anytime soon, I love my sassy peep toe heels too much, and I like listening to a little ACDC every once in a while.

But we could learn a thing or two from the way they live....
They work hard, they use their hands, they make their food, they build their houses, they clean their own houses, they teach their children, they reap the rewards from their labors...

they are content.

photo by acastat