discontent

adjective

1. not content; dissatisfied
2. a restless desire or craving for something one does not have

If you were raised in a Christian home, you may have been taught, like I was, that not being content with what you have is a sin. If you have food and clothing, then you have all you need and should be “satisfied in every circumstance.”

As a result, there have been times in my life when I have felt a deep sense of shame for wanting more. 

(Heaping shame on top of any other negative emotion is always helpful, by the way – IF you want to compound the negative feelings you already have.)

Several years ago, at a point in my life when I had plenty of food and clothing – along with a loving family, a successful career, status, accolades, and all the things one expects will make a happy life, there I was again, wanting more.

This time though, I didn’t feel shame about it.

This time, the wanting seemed to be coming from something bigger than me.

This time, my discontent wasn’t motivated by the desire for anything more. It was driven by the desire to do something more. Be something more. Not in terms of status or position or acclaim. Something more meaningful.

Recently, I heard the phrase “Divine discontent,” which was described as the strong desire within you to create or express something.

Divine discontent comes when we ignore this desire, or when we don’t recognize what the desire is.

Thinking it’s “Plain Old” discontent – the desire for something we don’t have – we attempt to satisfy it by feeding it with things and experiences and achievements, when what it really wants is to become, to create, to express, and to give.

They both feel like hunger. The difference is the way you satisfy them.

Plain Old wants to get something; Divine wants to give.

When you feel hungry for more, instead of feeding it or attempting to starve it into submission, get curious about it.

What are you really hungry for?

To get or to give?

To consume or to create?

To acquire or to express?

To achieve or to become?

Understanding the source of your discontent is the first step in finding contentment.

And if the desire you have is to create, to express, to give, or to become, I invite you to schedule a call with me to explore ways you could do that.