Julie Gumm - Author, Speaker, CliftonStrengths Coach

The Best Advice for Learning to Be Content

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In my last post I talked about how damaging it is to compare ourselves to others. It makes it really hard to be content. So DON’T compare.

But what can you DO to live in a place of contentment.

Focus on gratitude.

In her book “1000 Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are,” Ann Voskamp has this quote, which I love!

“When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me.” 

For example, when I’m doing the 12th load of laundry for the weekend and am tempted to grumble about the never-ending pile of dirty clothes (which can quickly spiral into the “why do I have to do everything” pity party), I stop.

I start listing the things I have to be thankful for.

  • I’m thankful I don’t have to wash my clothes by hand.
  • I’m thankful for detergent I can buy at the store that works.
  • I’m thankful for dryers. Because I hate putting on crunchy jeans.
  • I’m thankful that we have so many clothes to wear.
  • I’m thankful that my washer and dryer are inside my air conditioned home.

What are some “microscopic” things you can be thankful for in an area where you struggle being content?

 

The Theology of Total Recall

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So last night hubs and I went on date night and caught “Total Recall.”

(If you’re looking for a review, this isn’t it. Although I will say it’s more of a renter than a $9 movie. Mark claims the first one is way better.)

But a couple of the lines in the movie struck me.

Colin Farrell’s character wants to remember the past, remember who he was.

But the resistance leader, Matthias, tells him, “the past is just a construct of the mind. The heart wants to live in the present.”

Obviously, the past is not just a “construct” for those of us that don’t live in a futuristic, mind altering world.

But how often do we get trapped in our past, letting it define us?

Our past influences us, yes. It changes us.

But it does not define us. It does not define our future.

Unless we let it.

Are you letting your past define your future?

Financial Freedom

Taking Advantage of The Housing Boom

The next huge step in our financial journey really came in 2004 when the housing market in Phoenix went absolutely crazy. The house that we bought for $199,900 over a year earlier was suddenly worth about $350,000. Crazy right? So of course Mark starts talking about selling and I start rolling my eyes at him. […]

I Met Dave!

We interrupt our normally scheduled post for this breaking news… I met Dave! Yesterday I got the opportunity to volunteer at the Dave Ramsey Live Event in Phoenix. It was this same event 10 years ago that changed our lives. Before the show Dave came around and greeted every one of the 60 or so […]