Lord Snooty and I have been having quite a bit of fun lately, especially since the summer has decided to actually grace us with it's presence. We've been doing a bit of tearing about in the little grey sports car, eating al fresco at lakeside watering-holes, enjoying the odd BBQ at home with friends or just pottering about in the garden, me in my lime green Crocs with an ice cold jug of Pimms on the go. I'm really enjoying it and when I can stop my other half thinking about work all the time, so is he.
We've both been working way too hard of late so I've made it my business to take time out every now and then to just enjoy life and make himself do the same, which is a bit of a struggle I can tell you. I felt it was time to stop awhile and think about what I've done, which is precious little really apart from work, work, work, and plan what I want to do in the future. Hence the blog-break. Hopefully, I've come to some sort of arrangement with myself now. It sounds a little sad and maybe a bit defeatist to say that I suppose at some stage you just have to come to terms with the fact that you're probably not going to do all of the things you thought you would, may never reach your full potential or make your mark in life in the way you hoped. That this, in fact, is it. You won't be any sort of high-flyer unless something miraculous happens. You have found your niche, even if you don't think it was the one intended for you, and being reasonably good at a few things should actually be enough. Like growing mint to put in your Pimms and making a bloody great lasagne, or, as in my case, swearing.
And do you know, having come to terms with that I feel a lot better. Striving for something unattainable and knocking yourself out trying to make things happen is very draining. Living for the moment and appreciating what you have right here and now is obviously the way to go in the search for contentment. I'm slightly annoyed that it's taken me this long to understand that, but there you go.
So, unusually for us, on Saturday, we abandoned all our multiple catch-up tasks and drove out to a country pub, ate lunch outside under a shady parasol on the village green, watched cricket for a bit and went home for a sleep in the garden. Later on I watched five recorded episodes of "Desperate Housewives" back to back, ate Cadbury's chocolate, drank tea and admired my freshly painted toe-nails whilst my feet were up on the sofa. Lovely colour by the way, Chanel "Madness" (how apt), looks like blackberries.
No work, no worry, no guilt. That, for me, is one hell of a result and something of an achievement in itself.
It felt so decadent, so good and so about bloody time.
So what's your recipe for contentment then?
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I bought a new (not expensive) patio table and chairs, and I'm going to have my morning cuppa outside for what's left of the summer, and my hols. Simple pleasure, I know, but it's the simple ones that are really worthwhile. Oh, I'm putting nice music on the cd player also. Here's to contentment! mimi
I sit on the reclining chair, with my feet up, plate of my favourite cheese and crackers on my lap and I read. My husband entertains our son, I've already told all the animals to get lost and the TV is off. Ahhh, perfect. I only get an hour but it's worth its weight in gold.
Sitting in the shade looking out into the sun (I burn easily) with a gentle breeze playing about my toes. A pint of beer is pretty much necessary too, but I can only manage one at a time nowadays. I mean, one pint is enough.
Let's not forget contentment in winter: a snowy scene through a large window, sitting in front of a roaring fire with a good book. And a pint of beer. Some things don't change.
These days I just do what I want. I go to my studio, make art, come home....
Its all very mundane but I am enjoying a very happy period in my life. I'm just gtatefull I have managed to live long enough to get retired and do what I want.
I would most definitely have to say that my recipe for contentment would be coming to chill out with you in the garden - sounds perfect :)
It sounds so feeble, but a walk with the dogs across the farm usually does it, camera possibly in pocket. And I can do that any time (in theory). Which in itself is a good feeling.
Easy this one - watching my children sleep gives me the feeling of overwhelming contentment, Even if they have been absolute little shits all day!!!
Amen to that! Contentment for me is appreciating what I have and enjoying every moment I can. I am especially contented at the moment, 8 weeks off work, gorgeous 4 year old, great weather, family fun days (off to Chester Races this weekend) - what more do I need?
Going up to bed full of whisky and smug in the knowledge that I had not, for a change, fallen asleep in my armchair. Magic! ;-)
My recipe is very similar to yours! How absolutely fabulous dahling!
Glad you are getting some quality time and enjoying yourselves without guilt!
I'm off for a few days so won't be around to comment.
Obviously come over when you like, but...
If you get near a computer on Tuesday 5th, have a look at my post because there'll be an award for you. I'll be away so it's a scheduled post for 1am Tuesday (my time zone!)
You're back!! I can't tell you how happy this makes me....
And it sounds like you've had a great weekend too. My recipe for contentment? Well, it's easy. A good film, good snacks and good company. Simple, really....
You are back Jane! And on top form too!
My recipe for contentment this year is simply being myself. Oh and tuning in selectively to the world around me - not reacting to everything I hear.
Glad you're content - that's all that matters.
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