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Contentment is a complex emotional and psychological phenomenon, often described as the feeling of inner balance and fulfilment that many lack. It is an experience that represents much more than the lack of dissatisfaction or the presence of happiness. Satisfaction is the result of an interplay of several factors: the congruence of our expectations with reality, the acceptance of ourselves and our circumstances, and the feeling of making a meaningful contribution to our environment. To achieve satisfaction after all, it is important to balance both internal and external elements. Internally, it is about self-acceptance and self-understanding. This means accepting ourselves with all our strengths and weaknesses, and seeing the quest for improvement as a continuous process that is never complete. It also means recognising our own needs and desires, and putting them in a realistic context. In this way, we can develop expectations that are both achievable and challenging. External factors mostly relate to our relationships with other people and our environment. Environmental factors such as workplace, social network, and even the political situation can have a significant impact on our sense of satisfaction. It is therefore important to create or seek an environment that supports our values and goals. Relationships are also crucial: a support network of family and friends can significantly increase feelings of satisfaction. The author is a clinical psychologist with many years of experience.
