contentment

 toad hall antiques

burke's bookstore 

content: [kənˈtɛnt] adj., mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are; assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action; peace of mind; mental satisfaction

today i had an odd sensation run over me... a feeling of contentment. it came to me as i was perusing my two favorite memphis establishments [see images above] before meeting some colleagues for drinks. and honestly, i am not sure how to deal with it. i have always thought of being content as a good thing, the feeling i am continually striving for. but, the bizarre experience has me wondering ... shall we be happy, satisfied with things as they are or are we to always strive for more? do we just accept our circumstances or do we always work to make ourselves better, our situation more closely aligned with our aspirations? and when this feeling washes over us at the most unexpected time, do we accept it as a sign from the universe saying we are exactly where we need to be? or do we continue to seek the clear, concocted future of our dreams that will require bending, breaking, stretching...change?

maybe it was the hidden gems at toad hall or the fact that i found an early edition of pollyanna: the second glad book at burke's [giddy about this purchase, btw], but for the first time in a long time things felt right, even though in the depths of my heart it all feels so wrong. my thoughts tonight will be filled with this conflicting chatter.

may you feel truly content. and not just acceptance of your current situation, but completely, fully, wholeheartedly satisfied with what your life has become and where it is going. wishing you all moments of unexpected understanding and enlightenment this weekend. be safe out there!