Contentment and Ambition

These two words have been at the forefront of my mind in recent months.  Ambition speaks to me repeatedly. I've been mulling over goals, dreams, desires, planning, focus, hard work, and diligence in the pursuit and striving to achieve those things to which I feel called.  Contentment also speaks to me repeatedly.  I've blended almost every period of time invested in those future thoughts with the ideas of contentment and the reality that I should be thankful in this moment, for it is all I really have right now.  

I don't think these two things have to be in opposition and I think I am learning how to apply healthy desire for ambition in the context of contentment.  For me I think that this is an ongoing learning opportunity.  If I am honest, it is often a struggle.  There are so many things to do, the culture of busyness and comparisons of myself to what I feel my ideal self should be often dominate my thoughts. There are ways in which I feel this is healthy and evaluative and ways that I think it can often steal contentment.  For it to be held in proper context I believe it has to be rooted in truth that is not validated by my own opinion, but of my creator's opinion of me, which is encouraging.

As progress is made on goals and I am also looking to be open to the paths that are laid out before me. Many things have resonated.  In the proper context, just the phrases "it's OK"and "do not be anxious" are very restful.  I don't want these phrases to drive a lack of zeal for life, I don't want it to be twisted into a lazy excuse to ditch responsibility, truth, hard work.  I also don't want to give a false sense of security or abandonment of things that are good, right, and trustworthy.  I think there is simply a balance to be found in the "letting go".  There is a peace to be found with keeping thoughts out of the endless anxiety-riddled churn and making so much importance out of such temporary things in our life.

I think the dynamic of contentment/rest and ambition/drive is one that will be ever increasingly important as the pace of life continues to quicken.  What are your thoughts on how contentment and ambition play out in your life?

As I've said before, one of the greatest joys in my life are watching my friends create and getting to enjoy their art.  A friend of mine, Ben, who plays Bass with Lacey Sturm just released a new single as a solo artist that has a great, restful vibe.  Take a listen! 

http://www.nimbitmusic.com/bassrockben