Essentials for contentment.

Greyduster

Knowing that my family are all alright is essential to me.
And not too many health worries personally.
Also, having something to look forward to, no matter how small.

You are one helluva deep thinker MaizieD!

I think some of the lists on here are almost counsels of perfection. The real issue for me is how we live our lives and cope when the things we thought were essential fail in some way. That means to me having the sort of emotional support/infrastructure / in-depth relationships and friendships that would sustain me when things are not as I would wish ( and I hope I would contribute in the same way). So as I look at it it’s not about what are the essentials for contentment but what are the foundations for being able to cope with what life throws at us. It goes without saying though that enough money for more than the basics and a secure roof over your head to call a proper home are foundations we all ought to be able to have.

The health and well-being of my family, plus enough money to know that as well as paying the basic bills, there is enough to repair or replace the car (an absolute essential where we live).

If those things are in a good place, it doesn't take much to make me feel contented:

- sitting at the bottom of the garden, watching the lambs playing in the field

-a beautiful spring day, birds singing and blossom on the trees

-a phone call from one of my sons, for no reason other than to say hello

At those moments, I think how lucky I am to live where I live (in a peaceful, wealthy part of the world), and when (in the modern world with all it has brought to make daily life easier, and the medical advances that reduce suffering for so many).

wobbles there is a lesson for us all there - me especially.

For me it would be Good health, good sleep and no money worries; then friends and the knowledge that family is well, solvent and healthy, too. Job done!

Yes Carolina, a good nights sleep makes everything easier the next day, I agree.
Think I'm like everyone else really
Good health for me and the family
Books
Dogs
Enough money to pay the bills and have the odd treat.
Friends
( has anyone mentioned GN )

No family stress!
Enough money to pay the bills with a bit extra.
Lots of friends, in reality and online.
Sunshine and flowers.

Contentment for me is/was when I finally realised hypothetical worries weren't worth the stress and anxiety they caused.
My mental health has improved since I've stopped obsessing about things that might never happen.

You’re right maryeliza54 it’s unlikely that all the component parts that make up our own personal contentment are at their peak at any one time. This is why I chose a good sleep as my 100 per center - everything else appears to be on a sliding scale and I manage my expectations accordingly!

I’ve been puzzling over this and I wonder if there’s a basic flaw in contentment being predicated upon certain essentials?

In no particular order:
Home
Good health
Gardening
My swing
Family
Bed
Baking
Books
BBCTV...
Sparkling windows

Health..sunshine and very dear gc.
A warm home enough to eat and able to pay the bills.
An odd holiday is a bonus..a lot more than I had as a child.
I feel more secure now than I ever was.

Essentials for contentment - a happy home and a happy family, and good health for everyone. Anything else is a bonus ..... sunshine, being outside, having things to do and being with friendly people.

Knowing that ACs and GDs are well and happy.

A good crime box set

Having a content mind by default, even in bad times.

Family and friends
Books
Comfy chair and bed
Absence of pain
Music
A cat would be nice but not where I live now
Sunshine

Oh and I love Seville too!

Knowing my family are alright.

I take comfort that all our bills are covered and there is money over for happy spending.

A good book. ‘There will always be books to read’ as a dear friend said 10y ago when we were going through a tough time.

A large glass of wine.

I love Seville Terri Isn't it great?

(and getting there on my bike)

Well I like shopping. And tea and a scone in Marks and Sparks or JL.

My Partner and Family
My Faith
My Health
A roof over my head
The sunshine
Food with friends
Music
So much to be grateful for too many to list

Husband and family - of course!
My home
A supply of good books
Music
First couple of coffees in the morning, fraid I use pods and a strong cup of tea pm
Communing with nature, trees flowers etc., on walks, heightened appreciation, as you age I think
Being able to get away somewhere different, have just come back from Seville and Cordoba, loved the history, culture and eating al fresco.
Sunshine
A nice glass of red wine, not every day, but say a couple of times a week
Meeting up with friends
A meal out
A great film
A four legged friend, I don't have one, I'd love a cat but it seems all my family are allergic to their fur oh well you can't have everything!