I got it.......satisfaction that is!!!!

"Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. The World Cup. But we're all eligible for life's smaller prizes... A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear. A four-pound bass. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Cold water." —Unknown

con·tent·ment Noun /kənˈtentmənt/ Synonyms:
noun: satisfaction, gratification, complacency, complacence, pleasure

1. A state of happiness and satisfaction

The Rolling Stones sang:  "I cant' get no satisfaction."  I think I have gone through most of my life believing the words, humming the tune as I searched for that deep contentment and joy.  I longed to find that one thing that would fill me.  I tried filling myself with excessive work, or food, or over driven quests for ongoing intellectual stimulation through continued educational endeavors.  I tried climbing the vocational ladder, spiritual directors, therapists, medication, meditation and reflective contemplation.    I suppose I owe a great deal to all these things I utilized to fill up the empty place.  Looking back, none of the "things" gave me contentment or satisfaction.   Somewhere along the journey, I have discovered that the "thing" that fills me up is the "thing" that has always been right in front of me and with me being so busy searching for "something"...I missed moments of fleeting joy as I searched for that "thing".  I don't know when all of this changed for me.  It may have been age or perhaps it was when "Big Daddy" had a heart attack two years ago....but something shifted inside of me, changed me if you will. Perhaps it is just getting older and realizing that each tiny moment granted to us is just the cherry on top of the ice-cream and cake.  I don't know how it happened but I'm so glad it has.....for I now realize that thing....that fills me up to the brim, causes my spirit to overflow, leaves me full of satisfaction, contentment and joy.....is right in front of me.  It's not material, or vocationally driven or something that can be purchased.   Satisfaction and joy and contentment come now from the simple things in life....those things that are so easy to miss....today I am full....my cup is full to the brim and I am so full of gratitude that it is as if I have slit right open for the world to see.    Today I thank the Universe for:

• Big Daddy and a day spent together doing nothing but yard work, napping and sitting.
• a random kiss from my son when I least expected
• the sarcastic joking of my daughter and her rich laughter
• a calm Cecil Dog from Hell
• the smell of freshly cut grass
• a ice cold Diet Pepsi
• cold air-conditioning
• flowers spreading their petals,
• vegetables growing in my backyard
• love of family and friends
• sunshine
• a hot shower after a sweaty morning at the gym
• for health,
•  laughter,
• a roof over my head, 
• a good book to read on a rainy afternoon

and my list could go on...and on...and on.....oh yeah..

• and for that long afternoon nap with Big Daddy this afternoon.

 I look around and

• the sky is blue, the sun is fading and the moon is starting to appear amongst the smoke from the premature fireworks that are being set off in my neighborhood,
• I have a full stomach................................................
• a comfortable place to sit and
• I am so full of JOY that I can hardly contain myself.  it is is so rich and deep I can't find words to begin to articulate it. 

But it is good and I am thankful.

I used to sing this:  I can't get no satisfaction.....

today I got it.....got it all.....contentment, joy and a heart overflowing with gratitude.  I am satisfied!!!!!

On this fourth of July, may you each find a fragment of a moment when your heart overflows and joy and Satisfaction!!!!!

What gives you Satisfaction?

hugs and blessings