Finding contentment in a busy artist life
Finding Contentment in a Busy Life
Lately, I’ve been feeling burnt out—drained, exhausted, and like there’s no time for anything other than just getting through the day. A close friend of mine recently told me I need to stop doing things for free (trying to build my portfolio and help out some family friends), and honestly, I think he’s right. Whatever free time I do have, I need to keep it for myself—unless it’s making me money. Not that money is everything, but time is definitely valuable.
That got me thinking: How do people make themselves content with life? I always find myself wanting more—something better, something new, something different. I envy those who seem satisfied with life just as it is. How do they get like that? Have they always been that way?
I’m sure mindset plays a big role. The people I know who are content just seem… happy. Their minds seem quiet. But the truth is, I enjoy being busy. I always have a goal I’m striving for. If I could just make all the effort worth it by attaining those goals, maybe I’d feel more at peace.
When I look at the people in my life, I see examples of contentment. My husband, for example, is happy with the way our life is now. Sure, he’s okay with improving our situation, but if things stayed the same forever, he’d be fine with that. My kids are content too—aside from the occasional new video game request, they don’t seem to constantly want more out of life. And then there’s my cat, Oso. As long as his food bowl is full, he’s good.
And my parents? They might be the most content of all. Retired, living in Florida, spending their evenings in the backyard, sipping wine, and listening to music. They don’t seem to have a care in the world beyond their basic needs.
If contentment means being in a state of peaceful happiness, when do I feel most content? I feel it after a delicious meal. I feel it when I finish a painting and it turns out exactly how I envisioned it. I feel it when I’m watching an intriguing documentary with my hubby, especially when he plays in my hair. I feel it when I’m at home—in bed, on the couch, outside on my deck watching the sunset, or in my art room (when it’s not a mess). These are the moments when my mind is calm and quiet.
But why isn’t this state of contentment ever-present for me? Because I’m always wanting more. Always pushing for better.
While researching for this blog, I came across an article on CNBC.com that suggests having 2-5 hours of free time a day is ideal for boosted happiness. On greatergood.berkeley.edu, Dr. Dorji Wangchuk describes contentment as "the knowledge of enough... How whole do you feel inside?"
Some strategies I found to help with contentment include:
Relax more
Slow down
Enjoy the now
Adjust your mindset
I know I can improve in all these areas. As an artist trying to build a sustainable business while working full-time, I’m constantly in “go mode.” I rarely take time to just relax and be in the moment. My mind is always on the next goal, the next skill to improve, the next project to complete.
But those who are truly content understand that contentment comes from within. It comes from mindfulness, from living in the present, and from celebrating the small wins. Maybe it’s time I start doing the same.
