Perhaps answer is not simple. The list would be endless - lot of money, obedient children, a big house, luxury bikes and cars and so on...
The prime requirement for a contended life is "Satisfaction". Although satisfaction levels may be different. It can be a bare necessity for one person, whereas other may consider it too little. I remember one of my friend used to say that he is quite fascinated with the American television series " Lifestyle of the rich and famous". This television series was quite popular during 1984 to 1995. It was one of the first shows to feature the lives of the wealthy.
Happiness and Satisfaction
Happiness is nothing but a "State of Mind", and satisfaction in what you have is the key component to it. The satisfied life is more a matter of the feeling well, than having what you want.
Some people get all they want in life but do not feel very well. There are also people who want much more in life but mostly feel quite fine.
How about you? Which of the statements below fits you best?
So far, I have got most of the things I want from life, but I do not feel very happy most of the time.
I want more from life than I have got so far, but I feel quite happy most of the time.
So far, I have got most of the things I want from life, and I feel quite happy most of the time.
I want more from life than I have got so far, and I do not feel very happy most of the time.
If you happen to be in first type, you need to rediscover the happiness. You need to explore what is that stops you from happiness. You got what you desired - then where is the problem? It shows that you are rather confused about what you want from your life. You get bored easily with one thing and then you are in search of another thing. I believe, the perfect advise for you is to search happiness in the things you have. Because those are the things you always desired. If you feel your choices are often not correct, then it is your problem to be resolved.
I you fit in to the number 2 description, I believe you are among those individual who can be classified as happy individual constantly striving to achieve more and more, because you fulfill the basic requirement of happiness. You have a happy state of mind, which always chooses to be happy. Although you may not be a contended person as such, but your happiness makes you to always in search of more and more with a positive attitude.
Now what if you are in third category? Probably you are the person who knows what you want from your life. You know that every goal may not be attainable, but a sincere effort always pays and you can always achieve your realistic goals. And there is no harm in trying one step further!
I you happen to fall in fourth category, either your goals are unrealistic or you didn't try sincerely. And if the things are otherwise true, a sincere advice to you is to learn to increase your satisfaction level. If you are sincere in your efforts, no realistic goal is too big. If you are a day dreamer, and love making "Castles in the Air", it's not wrong. You made castles in the air, now make ground of hard work beneath it.
Well Written!!