Dear Empowered Reader,
As I took time to think about what to share for this edition of the newsletter the topic of happiness came to mind. Writing this newsletter at the end of November the topic of happiness is especially relevant as we enter the holiday season, a time often marked by high
expectations and the pressure to feel happy and fulfilled. For many, this period becomes a whirlwind of busyness and external demands, leaving little room for reflection or contentment. As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reassess our priorities, and focus on cultivating a sense of contentment
rather than chasing fleeting moments of happiness. The goal of this newsletter is to invite you to step back from the hustle and reconnect with what truly matters, setting the stage for a more mindful and fulfilling close to the year.
In a world that constantly tells us to "chase happiness" and "pursue more," it's easy to feel like we’re always falling short. But what if happiness, as it's often portrayed, isn’t the ultimate goal? What if the secret to a
fulfilling life isn’t found in constant pursuit, but in learning to appreciate the present moment, to embrace the here and now? As we move through our careers and personal lives, it's time to redefine what success and well-being truly mean—and today, I want to explore the power of contentedness.
"Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." – Socrates This quote from Socrates reminds us that true wealth lies not in possessions or accomplishments, but in appreciating what we already have. Yes, there is truth that having your basic needs met is vital and I agree but what about once your needs are met? What
then? It's a radical shift from the message we often receive: that we must always strive for more—more success, more recognition, more happiness. But this endless chase can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout, rather than fulfillment. It's here that contentedness
offers an alternative path, one that allows us to find peace and joy in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances.
One of the reasons contentment is so powerful is because it counteracts what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill. This concept explains how we quickly return to a baseline level of happiness after positive or negative life events. No matter how exciting a promotion, vacation, or new achievement might be, the thrill wears off, and we find ourselves wanting more. The pursuit of
happiness becomes like running on a treadmill—we expend effort, but we never truly get anywhere. Research shows that even major life changes, like winning the lottery or experiencing a significant setback, only temporarily affect our happiness. In time, we return to our pre-existing levels of happiness. This is why chasing happiness, as it’s traditionally
defined, can leave us feeling perpetually unsatisfied. Contentment, on the other hand, teaches us to step off the treadmill and appreciate the steady joy found in everyday moments.
"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." – Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt’s wisdom hits at the heart of what many of us misunderstand about happiness. It’s not something we can achieve by constantly striving. Instead, it's something that arises naturally when we focus on living with purpose, cultivating relationships,
and being present. This shift from happiness as an outcome to contentedness as a practice is one that can transform how we approach both our personal and professional lives.
I’ll be honest—there was a time when I believed the next accomplishment or the next milestone would finally bring me the lasting happiness I was seeking. I thought if I could just reach the next level in my career or hit a personal goal, I’d feel complete. But after
each success, I found myself wanting more, wondering why the satisfaction didn’t last.
A turning point came during a particularly intense period of juggling multiple projects and turning down invitations from family and friends so that I could work extra hours. One afternoon, I paused to reflect on what was truly driving me and what is it that I truly
value. I realized that in my relentless pursuit of doing more, I was missing out on appreciating what I already had—an amazing community, fulfilling work, and the opportunity to make a real impact. That realization was the beginning of my journey toward contentedness. I began to focus less on external achievements and more on
cultivating a sense of peace and satisfaction with the life I was living in the moment.
Research supports the idea that contentment, more than the fleeting highs of happiness, leads to a more sustainable sense of well-being. Studies show that people who practice gratitude, mindfulness, and acceptance of the present moment tend to experience higher levels
of life satisfaction. A study from the University of California found that practicing gratitude daily can increase overall well-being by up to 25%. Another study, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, found that people who focus on their immediate experience rather than future desires report greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being. These findings reinforce the idea that contentment isn’t about settling for less, but about recognizing the abundance in
the present moment.
Three Reflection Questions What do I have right now in my life—relationships, experiences, opportunities—that I am grateful for but may be taking for granted?
How often do I find myself chasing after the next big achievement, and how does that impact my sense of fulfillment? What small changes can I make in my daily routine to cultivate contentment and appreciate the present moment?
We are often taught to keep pushing forward, to measure our success by external milestones. But true well-being and happiness isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey. Contentment is the practice of finding joy in the every day, of recognizing that we already have what we need to feel fulfilled. It’s about breaking free from the hedonic treadmill and discovering that the path to well-being is rooted in presence, gratitude, and
acceptance.
Let’s embrace the power of contentedness together. As you reflect on your own journey, remember that well-being is not something to chase, but something to cultivate—right here, right now.
Take Care, Dear Reader,
Julie Zaruba Fountaine
Founder, Empower Possible
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