“Everything has it’s wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” –Helen Keller

Feeling content….that’s a concept I struggle with because I have always found that not being content with things as they are has been the great motivator for me to try harder, to do more, to set bigger goals and accomplish more meaningful things.  However, there is a great lesson to be learned from what Helen Keller said. And I think understanding Helen’s words is key if we want to have a sense of peace in our lives.  The contentment Helens speaks of isn’t about not progressing or setting big goals…the contentment she speaks of is about accepting there are going to be circumstances we cannot control and we should appreciate that those are as they are to help us to learn. And in spite of those circumstances Helen proved with her life’s example that even with limitations beyond our control, we can still accomplish incredible things and live a life filled with wonder.

I love that she said she ‘learned to be content’ in whatever state she was in because it shows that being content  with difficult things wasn’t just something that instantly happened to her – she had to learn how to be content. I guarantee she went through times of frustration and struggle early on dealing with those limitations she had to, but the fact is she didn’t get angry and bitter – she chose to make the very best she could of the circumstances she was given….and that allowed her to see all those wonders that life has to offer.

Have a wonder filled day!

~Amy Rees Anderson