Growth From Discontent: Lifes Way Of Giving You A Little Push

That strange, gut-wrenching feeling you have is not the sushi you had for lunch. It's your soul trying to give you a nudge to do something. A word for that feeling is "discontent." Discontent is a state of not being satisfied or fulfilled in your current situation.

Of course, this same feeling can apply to a hundred different situations, from a work-related issue to a personal issue at home. But, the resulting meaning is still the same: "make a change." Some people listen to that feeling and change their life in such a way as to eliminate that feeling. However, some people that fall into discontent, but tend to remain in that situation as they find it a place of "same-ness" and "safety."

--- Souler Greenhouse ---

Discontent is actually a "souler greenhouse" of change. It is the first warnings you receive that things are not what they should be and that a change is required to correct the situation. Discontent comes when there is juxtaposition between needs and desires. Usually, you're pursuing a need, achieve it, and then continue to pursue the ideals of the same need. This occurs because you don't know what to do once you reach the objective. However, once you achieve a need, you need to move on to the next pursuit.

Many people find that discontent for a given situation is acceptable. For instance, discontent with your work might feel acceptable because you have to make money and care for your family. In this way, you learn to overcome the discontent by accepting the obligations. However, while this may work, it is not necessarily the route to take. Indeed, you might need the job, but this feeling is calling for an evaluation as some aspect of the situation needs attention.

Discontent can provide you with either a reason to stay right where you are or a fertile environment from which to move forward. While it does provide a way for the Universe to bring attention to a situation, we sometimes become so accustomed to the feeling that it becomes part of our life. In such a case, if we adapt and the discontented feeling is resolved, we will miss it.

--- Growth ---

Growth from discontent is an amazing change. Again, comparing to the greenhouse, it can either smother you, or help you grow. However, change from discontent is something that you have to execute consciously, because discontent can also provide you with a safety zone. By accepting discontent in one part of your life, it can spread into other areas of your life. You can become satisfied with the feeling because it becomes familiar. However, you end up working on parts of your life in hopes of resolving the feeling when you find that, once that part of your life has changed, you still feel the same.

Growth occurs because you feel a push, or pull, to move in a direction. The objective is to obtain a balance such that the discontent disappears. Once you achieve the necessary change, you will be able to leave the discontented feelings behind you. Focus on the situation that makes you feel the discontent, not on other issues that may, or may not, make you feel better. The contented feeling from "doing busy work" or fixing something that isn't broken is fleeting, unless you tackle the core issue.

The growth comes in once you embrace the change. When you move from an area of the familiar, you must learn something new or different to adapt to the unfamiliar. However, in this transition, you are putting your life back in balance and moving forward, which eliminates those feelings of discontent.

--- What's next? ---

Don't let discontent drag you down! Listen to your gut! It will always tell you when change is necessary. It might be a simple gnawing feeling or a twisted knot. In either case, be honest with yourself and trust that feeling. Discontent is the universe's way of telling you that a change is necessary within yourself to resolve the situation. It is there to warn you of situations and guide you when things need to change.

To make the change, you have to know where you are and where you want to be in the near future. However, the one thing to keep in mind is that you want to achieve some type of balance to counter the discontent. Remember that discontent is caused from an imbalance in one or more parts of your life. Ask yourself, and focus on, what it is that is causing you the most concern. Once you are able to determine the issue, only then can you set out on a goal that satisfies the feeling. Such an approach will not only restore balance, but it will also allow you to move forward to a more fulfilling life.

About The Author

Edward B. Toupin is an author, life-strategy coach, counselor, and technical writer living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books and articles on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. For more information, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his sites at http://www.toupin.com or http://www.make-life-great.com.

---

5 Ways To Use Mind Power To Maximise Your Potential

Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More

Are You A Prisoner of Your Own Making?

There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More

Creating an Emotional Retreat

Emotions have the tendency to take over our actions and... Read More

Balanced Living: 18 Steps

A balanced life not only leaves you feeling more fulfilled;... Read More

Accepting Rejected Thoughts

Sometimes we are in a position to look into the... Read More

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

I was always somebody who felt quite sorry for myself,... Read More

Universal Mind

"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More

You Must Change the 148,000 Nos In Your Subconscious to Yes

What does it take to succeed? How can you move... Read More

Learning From Life

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Life has taught me... Read More

Important Days Ahead

Humans tend to categorize things by large or small, bright... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

Does Life Really Stink?

One of my class fellows was really tensed, when asked... Read More

Being Tender With the Ugly Parts of Yourself

Does that title make you cringe? It made me cringe... Read More

You Are Magnificent! Creating Self-Confidence

The image you hold of yourself determines your success or... Read More

Never Quitting is an Attitude

Never Quitting Equals Success Most people who achieve fortunes in... Read More

Fear Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More

Get Some Attitude!

You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More

Instant Frequency Boosters: 10 Fast and Simple Ways to Raise Your Vibration

When you're feeling "low," or out of the flow, it's... Read More

Affecting Positive Results Through Affirmations

Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More

Focus Your Attention

Lately, there has been a collective challenge to avoid being... Read More

Releasing Self Sabotage for Success and Happiness in Life

Today, I wanted to mention this notion of self-sabotage.I recently... Read More

Positive Thinking - Anxiety & Panic

If you suffer with or have in the past suffered... Read More

I Know I Can, I Know I Can

I'm sure most of you remember the children's book about... Read More

Reacting To Given Situations!

The milkman knocks at the door of the old lady's... Read More

Banishing Hannibal Lecter Personalities From Your Life

We all know them. We all have somebody like them... Read More

Attitude Is Everything! Make it Great!

Change your attitude, change your lifeIn my experiences, I've found... Read More

Top Tips for the Temporary Move

Question: "It's only three months. Or six months. Or a... Read More

Adding Meaning To Your Life

You got up today to go to work, to come... Read More

Positive Changes Achieved by Exercising Mind, Body & Spirit

My story explains the struggles I had as a 23-year-old... Read More

Cleaned Up or Cleaned Out?

I need your help. I did a good deed recently,... Read More

A Rain Secret To Change Your Mind

Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More

How to Get Rid of Stinking Thinking

Q: I seem to beat myself before I ever get... Read More

The Trouble with the Mind

Bernard always had a problem with money.He was always lacking... Read More